Westchester Community College students walked the commencement stage in person for the first time since the pandemic began.

Since there has been a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, there were some safety protocols in place.

WCC graduation used to take place at the Westchester County Center. This year, also because of COVID-19, it was on campus at the physical education building. The school says it has the highest level of air filtration under COVID-19 guidance.

All participants were required to be vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test.

Graduates were divided by major and separated into three different ceremonies to lessen the amount of people in one room. The class valedictorian tells News 12 that although she had to give her speech three times, she was excited the day was finally here. "Being able to be here and celebrate this in person after so long staring at Zoom, it's a lot. I'm really, really happy," said Paola Baber, valedictorian.

While the campus is typically mask-optional, Thursday's graduation required masks. "We're looking at what would be the largest gathering of people that we will have at this point in the pandemic coming together, and we've said we're going to require for this event masks to be worn," said Director of security Scott Sullivan.

Each student had just two tickets for friends and family. However, those without a ticket were able to watch a livestream of the graduation from designated areas on campus and online.