In-Person Graduation Becomes A Reality In Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Prince George's County high schools will host in-person graduation ceremonies between Aug. 4 and 7. The ceremonies will follow strict social distancing guidelines, a statement from the schools system's chief executive officer said.

Each school will run multiple ceremonies throughout the day, with 15 students allowed per session. After students RSVP, administrators will tell them when they should arrive. Every graduate is allowed to bring two guests.

Upon arrival, all students, attendees and staff will have their temperature checked with a forehead thermometer. Everybody in attendance must wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart. Floor markings will indicate how far apart graduates should stand while approaching the stage.

The master of ceremonies will call graduates' names alphabetically. As they cross the stage, staff will present students with their diploma cover. Guests can take photos as each graduate turns their tassel.

Students will then leave the stage and pick up their diploma from the designated table. Guests must leave as soon as their graduate collects their diploma. Families are not allowed to linger or take pictures inside the building.

The commencements will take place in each school's auditorium. School's will use separate doors for entering and exiting the venue when possible.

Graduates must wear their school's official cap and gown to participate in the ceremony. Students should contact their principal if they don't have the proper attire.

All students and guests must RSVP on their school's website. Attendees will need a ticket to enter the building.

Each commencement will be relatively short so schools can graduate an entire class in one day. To save time, every valedictorian, salutatorian and class president will post their speech on their school's website the week before graduation instead of giving in-person addresses.

Students who choose not to attend the ceremony can pick up their diplomas the next day.

"Graduates, I extend my very best wishes to you and welcome you into the family of PGCPS alumni!" Monica Goldson, the school system's CEO, said in her online statement.

A list of each high school's graduation times is available below. For more information, visit Prince George's County Public Schools' website.

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