Central Regional Plans For Possible Virtual Graduation

BERKELEY, NJ — Central Regional is planning for the possibility of a virtual graduation because of the new coronavirus. The event would air June 17, which is already Central Regional's graduation day.

The District would decorate the main entrance of the high school and assign times for students and their parents to hear their child's name announced. The student would get their picture taken, have their diploma issued and make a comment or farewell message to the class of 2020.

The event would be recorded, with speeches airing June 17. Each student would also receive a graduation CD and pictures, according to a letter Superintendent Dr. Triantafillos Parlapanides sent Wednesday.

Central Regional's end-of-the-year plans hinge one whether Governor Phil Murphy loosens coronavirus restrictions in time. Murphy extended the public health emergency Wednesday another 30 days, to June 7. Read more: NJ Extends Health Emergency As Coronavirus 'War-Footing' Remains

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Parlapanides pushed back the potential dates for junior prom and senior prom to May 29 and June 16, respectively. But these events would require Murphy to lift restrictions on gatherings, Parlapanides said.

"If restrictions are lifted by the Governor in July or August we would then have the Senior Prom in the High School Gym," he said.

The district also may hold a virtual graduation along with a beach day in Seaside Heights, which would also depend on clearance from the State.

Read the full letter below:

The Ocean County Health Department has reported 479 coronavirus cases and 58 deaths in Berkeley as of Thursday morning.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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