East Brunswick Dad: I Work With COVID. We Can Still Do Graduation

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick superintendent of schools Victor Valeski said Friday that he expects guidance to come from the state early next week on whether the district can hold an in-person graduation ceremony this year.

"Graduation is scheduled for June 17 and we have multiple plans in place," Valeski told Patch. "We're just waiting for guidance to come from Murphy and we expect guidance to come out next week."

Just on Friday, Gov. Murphy strongly hinted that he may allow in-person graduations. At his 1 p.m. press conference, Murphy said he hopes "by early (next) week we can offer guidance on outdoor graduations," signaling that he may allow them.

Joe Gural is one of the many East Brunswick parents — and parents across New Jersey — who are pushing to have an actual graduation. His daughter is a graduating senior at East Brunswick High School, where she's captain of the softball team.

"Our kids — future leaders — deserve more than what they're getting right now," said the dad. "My daughter and the rest of the New Jersey graduates should not be disposable out of fear."

Gural knows the risk of COVID-19 quite well: He's the director of rehabilitation in a long-term care facility.

"I've been able to see this virus up close and believe we can safely hold a traditional graduation," he said. "I work with COVID+ patients every day and I believe, as do many healthcare professionals, that we can safely hold a regular graduation with a little creativity."

He included ideas such as wearing masks, having chairs spaced well apart, only inviting immediate family members and said he would even be OK with having the graduation ceremony in July or August.

"If we can safely stand in line at a Walmart, Target, Home Depot or Lowe's then why can't our kids do the same and stand in line for their well-deserved diplomas?" he asked.

Gural said he's been communicating back and forth with East Brunswick High School principal Mike Vinella, who he said has been very responsive.

"Mayor (Brad) Cohen hasn't responded at all, which I find very frustrating as he's an elected official," said Gural. "I should expect a response as he was elected to represent all East Brunswick residents."

"At the end of the day my words may not work, but I have to exhaust every option knowing I tried," said the dad.

"We're gonna do the best celebration that we can, at the time that we're allowed to do it," said superintendent Valeski. "I think the governor is trying to reopen things in prudent manner."