HCPSS Class Of 2021 Will Celebrate Graduation: Official

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The class of 2021 with the Howard County Public School System will be allowed an in-person graduation as long as county coronavirus metrics continue their downward trend. The last day of school for the seniors will be May 28 and school officials hope graduation will be held at Columbia's Merriweather Post Pavilion.

The school will give each family two tickets to attend. Student performers or other presenters will be able to perform in-person individually or in small groups of two or three people, but bands and orchestras will perform virtually or by a recording, district officials said. The number of speakers and guests on the stage for graduation will be kept to a "bare minimum," HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano said during a work session.

"Additionally, we are working out ways to ensure graduates who choose to participate virtually will be included in the graduation ceremonies through pictures or video as we did last year," he said. "We also continue our planning to provide the class of 2021 with wonderful and memorable experiences to close out their final year."

Elementary and middle schools will host end-of-year celebrations to recognize current fifth and eight grade students. These events will be held in-person and outdoors, if possible, and two guests will be able to accompany each student, Martirano said.

"Health protocols will be in place at these events to help ensure safety, including masking and social distancing, not serving food and limiting access only to fifth and eight grade students and guests at that school.