Hillsborough Students Upset As Virtual Graduation Announced

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough High School seniors are upset as their vision of a traditional graduation was squashed. Principal Karen Bingert announced in a letter to parents and students on Tuesday night that the district will plan for a virtual graduation for the class of 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions.

Bingert said her decision was made due to multiple factors including the governor’s travel restrictions, the order on restricting gatherings, and the New Jersey Department of Education's guidance on virtual graduations.

"We will do everything in our power to make it worthy of this auspicious accomplishment. Seniors, from my heart to yours, please know how disappointed I am that this year – one that should have been so special for all the right reasons – has been hit so hard by the repercussions of the pandemic, making it memorable in ways tinged with sadness," Bingert said.

Bingert wanted to make the decision now to give the district time to plan. The virtual graduation is set for June 22.

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Students are heartbroken over this decision. Morgan Krempasky, who is the secretary of the Senior Class Cabinet, sent a letter to Bingert and Superintendent Dr. Lisa Antunes expressing her disappointment.

"In the grand scheme of things, I understand that a loss of a track season, a prom, a graduation, etc. is not the end all be all compared to the tragedy our world has been plagued with; but it was still going to be a memory that would forever hold a special place in my heart for the remainder of my life," Krempasky said. "In a decade or so, I'm supposed to be able to show my children pictures in my prom dress so they can harass me for my poor taste, or my graduation pictures where I have my French and National Art Honor Society cord, as well as my Secretary sash draped over my neck. In light of the district's lack of initiative, I'll never have this memory to reflect on."

Krempasky went on to point out how other districts in New Jersey are going above and beyond to give their seniors a special experience.

She suggested a virtual meeting to discuss alternatives. (To see Krempasky's full letter look below)

"The class of 2020 solely mourns for that special moment where we all throw our caps in the air in light of every other loss we have been faced with. I am extremely disheartened to see the lack of effort the HHS staff — who I have long admired — has put forth in honoring the class of 2020. There is nothing I would hate more than to leave HHS with a bitter taste on my tongue. I wish I could say today is a great day to be a raider," Krempasky said.

Gov. Phil Murphy also announced on Wednesday that drive-through events will also be allowed to happen. Read More: Gov. Phil Murphy To Reopen More NJ Businesses Amid Coronavirus

It is unclear if this will change the district's decision. Hillsborough Schools did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.

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