A surprise group of feathered guests made an unplanned appearance before being welcomed as honorary members of the graduating class
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — Thousands of graduates have crossed the stage in Anne Arundel County over the past two weeks, but none arrived quite like the group that turned heads at Severn Run High School’s commencement when a mother duck and her ducklings appeared near the graduation venue and briefly stole the spotlight from the Class of 2026.
The unexpected visitors were discovered in a parking lot at the Live! Event Center, where Severn Run High School’s graduation ceremony was being held.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools said staff members joined Anne Arundel County Police Department officers in helping the duck family reach safety before the animals could wander into traffic or other hazards.
According to the school system, the ducklings were safely relocated without disrupting commencement activities, allowing graduates and their families to continue celebrating the milestone event.
AACPS later joked that while thousands of graduates had been celebrated during commencement season, the ducklings were not originally on the graduation roster.
The school system playfully welcomed the birds as honorary members of the Severn Run High School Class of 2026 after their surprise appearance at the event.
Photos shared online showed the ducklings following closely behind their mother as officers and school staff helped guide them away from the parking lot.
Graduation ceremonies have been taking place across Anne Arundel County as students complete their high school careers and prepare for the next chapter.
Key Points
- A mother duck and her ducklings were found in a parking lot at the Live! Event Center during a Severn Run High School graduation event.
- AACPS staff and Anne Arundel County Police officers helped guide the birds to safety.
- The ducklings were later welcomed as honorary members of the Severn Run High School Class of 2026.
