Coronavirus: Prom and Graduation At D-86?

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale High School District 86 is still holding out hope for graduation ceremonies and proms later in the summer. South and Central will hold virtual commencements on May 20 and 21, respectively.

But the feedback from seniors has been clear: They also want an in-person graduation at some point, as long as state regulations allow it.

"Doing this will ensure that we are able to honor our seniors in some form or fashion should the stay-at-home order or limit on mass gatherings remain in effect during the summer months," Superintendent Tammy Prentiss said in a statement Monday.

Prentiss said the district is working with seniors on an in-person summer celebration, most likely in July, that could include a graduation ceremony, a picnic, a dance or a combination of activities.

As for prom, students have not expressed interest in exploring the idea of a virtual dance, she said.

"With this in mind, we will continue working with the members of our senior class to identify potential options for this event," Prentiss said in her statement. "One possible solution we have discussed is incorporating the dance into the celebrations in July."

However, she said, the district has not finalized anything yet and welcomes additional suggestions from seniors. Those suggestions should be forwarded to the high school principals.

"My heart is particularly heavy for the members of our senior class, who have worked so hard over the past (four) years to reach and celebrate the culmination of their high school careers," the superintendent said.

Read more:

Illinois Coronavirus: 'Prevented Worst-Case Scenarios' So Far

Don't miss updates in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.