During a year of change and uncertainty, graduation ceremonies were a little different, but the 2020 Mount Gambier High School Graduation was certainly a night to remember.

Mount Gambier High School Vice-Captain Madelyn Sutherland said the complications this year with COVID made it nearly impossible to hold a formal celebration for the Year 12 students.

“When the big lockdown happened, it got announced we were not going to have a graduation,” she said.

Determined to give students the celebration they all deserved, Miss Sutherland set herself the big task of organising the Year 12 Graduation, together with school captains Thomas Male and Jade Charlton and vice-captain Luke Boyle.

The evening began with an official ceremony at West Gambier Football Club and finished with dinner at the Western Tavern, which was accompanied by a video from the principal, farewells from the teachers and a photo slideshow, which Miss Sutherland said was a hit with the graduates.

Parents contributed on the night with special touches such as a balloon arch, photo booth and a photographer.

The event had a successful turnout, with the majority of graduates attending with their families. COVID restrictions allowed for 1000 people on the oval and the ceremony was live-streamed for those who could not make it.

Miss Sutherland said it was an honour to see everyone graduate. “This year was so full of ups and downs, it was hectic,” she said.

Miss Sutherland said the hard work paid off when she saw everyone happy and enjoying themselves on the night. “All the families were so happy to see their child all dressed up,” she said.