Drive Up Graduation Ceremony 'Best Option,' Vernon Officials Say

VERNON, CT — Education officials in Vernon are sticking to a set of plans to have some sort of drive-up graduation event at Rockville High School on June 16.

The plan was reinforced to the board of education Tuesday by Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary. The school board adjusted the calendar to accommodate June 17 as the rain date.

"It's the best option, given the circumstances," Macary said.

The exact format is yet to be determined, but will likely include pre-done speeches, a faculty honor guard for the students, photo ops and drive-up diplomas.

A smattering of parents complained on Tuesday's virtual school board meeting that the Class of 2020 seniors have "worked hard" over the past four years and deserve some type of in-person ceremony, spear out on the athletic complex. Macary meticulously explained that his hands are basically tied in regard to that format by Gov. Ned Lamont's coronavirus social distancing executive orders.

Macary said the second option would be to wait until July and hope the restrictions loosen. He added, though, that could backfire with tighter restrictions amid a second wave of the virus.

Another concern is that eight seniors are headed to various branches of the military and must report to their resopective boot camps in July, Macary said.

Macary said student groups surveyed are on board with a June drive-up ceremony, as are Project Graduation officials. A procession could also include a parade around town, he said.

If distancing restrictions are loosened, then the students could get together for a "yearbook signing" event, Macary said.

An event at Henry Park was discussed, but traffic patterns would be tricky, Macary said.

Details will be released once logistics are worked out, Macary said.