Patterson Mill High School graduate Denver Gowans poses for a few photos for his family after the school’s graduation ceremony at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium Monday, May 24, 2021. The ...

A Joppatowne High School graduate proudly displays her diploma to the cheers of the crowd during the school’s graduation ceremony at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

The class of 2021 faced a year shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic, and many schools are holding virtual ceremonies for a second year in a row. CNN’s graduation special will begin at 7 p.m. ET.

Valedictorian, Angelina Panarello, addresses the crowd during the Schalick High School graduation ceremony, Wednesday, June 16, 2021.Get Photo Troy Stewart walks in with his classmates for the ...

The spring Class of 2021 became the first class able to participate in an in-person graduation since the Covid-19 pandemic started last year. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Bagpipes mark the ...

Submitted photo COLUMBUS, Ind. — Local school officials say that while the COVID-19 didn’t have much of an effect on 2020 graduation rates, 2021 could show the aftershocks of the pandemic.