By Tammy Gray The percentage of seniors at Holbrook High School expected to successfully graduate is just about the same as it has been in past years, despite the multitude of challenges presented by the pandemic. “It’s been a difficult year, but we are planning on about 130 graduates,” said Holbrook High School Principal Dr. Jeralie McKinnon. “That’s about what we usually have.” She explained that the goal is always to graduate 100 percent of the students, but this year has been especially challenging. In addition to attending classes remotely throughout the year, many students, especially those on the reservation, had difficulty even connecting to the internet in order to attend virtual classes. A special plan has been put in place to make sure those students are able to get back on track to graduate. “They really struggled,” she said. Superintendent Dr. Robbie Koerperich noted, “On track to graduate on May 20 is different than on track to graduate.” Students who need extra time to complete their classes will be given until June 30 to meet graduation requirements. According to Koerperich, for several years the district has been offering summer classes for seniors to get the last credits they need, but this year it is turning out to be an especially important program. “We have to make sure certain things get done and it takes some kids a little bit more time,” he said. “They may have to finish a class or two over the summer.” McKinnon reiterated the same thought, noting that the number who are able to participate in the graduation ceremony on May 20 will be different than the number who actually graduate by the June 30 deadline. “Some kids just have a class or two to finish up,” she said, noting that many still have time to put in the work and walk with their classmates in the ceremony. “We won’t have the final number until the last week.” According to McKinnon, some students were so dedicated that they walked for miles every day to find an internet connection strong enough to attend virtual classes, while on the other hand some students had good connection, but struggled with consistently working in an online environment, especially if their caregivers were working and not able to ensure they stayed on track. “We’re not going to just pass them,” she said, but noted that due to the circumstances efforts are being made to ensure that every senior is given an opportunity to complete their requirements and graduate this year. “We still think that we’re going to graduate the same number as last year.”
