Graduating during a pandemic

(ABC 6 News) - The pandemic has put a stop to high school graduations, but in Albert Lea Friday evening, the ritual is back on. 

And it was held safely this year so loved ones could see their children walk across the stage.

"It's a very surreal feeling, I don't think it's quite hit yet," Aaron Farris, an Albert Lea High School graduate said. 

Graduating during a pandemic is what defines members of the class of 2021. They got through one of the most challenging times of their lives so far, and they did it together. 

"Even though school is about learning and education your friends make it so much easier and more enjoyable to learn in that kind of setting. Those are just some of the challenges we face but overall I would say it was a great year to be a tiger," Farris said. 

Another graduate agrees. This was a year to remember. 

"We started the year with half of our classmates.  Just to be able to graduate with everyone it's just something that the class before us didn't get to do. I'm just happy we got to do that as a class," Jaiden Venem, an Albert Lea High School graduate said. 

And for parents at the event, they've had to watch their kids go through distance learning and more this school year. One parent I spoke to says the class of 2021 earned this. 

"It felt so surreal it's been a different year for not only the students but the parents as well. We're excited for our son to graduate and we had a nice day for it, it was fun," parent Jamie Jensen said. 

Albert Lea High School had just under 200 graduates attending and each graduate was given 4 tickets for family members to attend, that way the event could stay within guidelines given by the state.