The COVID-19 pandemic affected the world — especially the world of tomorrow’s leaders, the Class of 2020.

With the shutdown of schools across the state in mid-March as stay-at-home orders were issued in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus, senior rights of passage such as prom, college visits and other traditional activities went by the wayside.

But school officials in the county and the seniors themselves rallied to the challenge to make commencement happen.

Some schools such as Butler and Seneca Valley spread their graduations over several days. Butler broadcast its commencement ceremony June 5, and handed out diplomas in ceremonies June 3, 4 and 5 in the high school auditorium. Seneca Valley filmed its May 28 and 29 commencement. Students were issued their diplomas in NexTier Stadium at staggered intervals. Freeport conducted commencement June 4 and 5 and also created a video.

Other district were driven to reach out for alternatives. Slippery Rock High School conducted a commencement ceremony at the Starlight Drive-In in Center Township with the images of seniors projected onto a drive-in screen. Moniteau seniors elected to have a drive-through graduation June 4.

Karns City seniors were escorted to an outdoor, socially distanced celebration by local firefighters.

Grove City High School had a virtual commencement with the event presented on the school district’s social media.

Members of the Class of 2020 at Mars will march themselves around the school June 12 while family members watch from their cars.

Knoch, North Catholic and Butler high schools are still holding out for July in-person commencements.