Vestavia Hills High School To Hold Graduation Ceremony As Planned

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — Graduation ceremonies for Vestavia Hills High School seniors are moving forward as originally planned. Principal Tyler Burgess said in a message to parents this week that the original date for graduation ceremonies — May 19 — will still be the date for ceremonies despite COVID-19 restrictions in the state.

"We will offer two options: an in-person/traditional graduation in our stadium, or an individualized graduation on a separate date," Burgess said. "We want to invite all graduates to the traditional ceremony but understand there may be individual situations that would prevent some students or families from attending, so the individualized ceremony would still allow them a chance to receive a diploma in cap and gown with their family present."

Each graduate will be given two tickets for family members to attend, Burgess said. Tickets will be issued with caps and gowns at pick-up this Thursday and Friday. The ceremony will be held at Thompson-Reynolds Stadium on the VHHS campus at 6 p.m.

"Due to the Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines for places of worship (which are the standards we have been given to follow for graduations), we must maintain a 6-foot distance between families and graduates," Burgess said. "Due to the size of our stadium, we will only be able to have 2 guests per graduate. We will live stream the stadium graduation ceremony to accommodate family members and guests who can not attend. We will provide access information for live streaming so graduates can share with their families and friends."

For graduates who choose not to participate in the graduation ceremony, but do want an individual opportunity, the school will schedule those on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, and if needed, Thursday, May 21, Burgess said.

"Again, while this is not ideal, it is what we are able to do given the parameters and protocols for safety provided by state officials to give our students a graduation with their peers,"Burgess said. "We thank you in advance for your understanding and participating. Following these safety guidelines is the prudent thing to do, and we will encourage all guests and participants to wear PPE (masks) and adhere to 6-foot social distancing while on campus."

Burhess said the school will send out additional information in the next few days with details for graduates for the day of the ceremony and logistics for guests.