Toms River Schools' Graduation Day: Virtual Now, Live Plans

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Most years, graduation day in Toms River would mean traffic warnings, booked restaurants and parties well into the night.

When the Toms River Class of 2020 tosses its caps Friday evening, it will be from their homes, with families surrounding them — and with a date for an in-person celebration on the calendar — thanks to the coronavirus outbreak.

Toms River East, Toms River South and Toms River North all will hold their virtual ceremonies at 5 p.m. (The ceremonies will be shared on YouTube; see the links below.) But Thursday, the three schools' principals announced the dates for the live graduations.

The plans are awaiting approval from the state Department of Education, and are based on the 500-person limit on gatherings that Gov. Phil Murphy announced would go into effect on July 3.

Superintendent David Healy on Tuesday said the district had plans ready that were awaiting information on the gathering sizes. Those plans are being finalized and submitted for approval, with the live graduations tentatively scheduled for the week of July 6.

Toms River South's live graduation is tentatively scheduled for July 6, Toms River East is tentatively set for July 8 and Toms River North is tentatively scheduled for July 9, the district announced. Detailed information will be sent to families in the coming weeks, the district said.

The Toms River Police Department sent its well wishes to the graduating class in a post on Facebook:

"It may not have been the year anyone anticipated, but we could not be more proud of the resiliency and strength that you have shown during this difficult time. We’d like to wish all of our Toms River Schools students a wonderful and safe summer. Congratulations to the class of 2020!" the post said.

The principals at the three high schools delivered similar sentiments.

"I would first like to congratulate all of our graduates and their families on an academic career in Toms River Regional Schools that will go down in the history books," Toms River South Principal Michael Citta said. "We are so proud of our tribe and their commitment to each other and our community."

" You are all a proud reflection of our school community and I am so very pleased for your success in reaching this milestone in your life," Toms River East Principal Patrick Thomas said. "I wish you all the best as you pursue your future college and career endeavors! Remember that no matter where you are in this world, you will always be a Raider!"

"We are so proud of our Mariners and their commitment to each other and our community," Toms River North Principal Ed Keller said. "A huge thank you must be given to all of our students, staff and families that have been supportive throughout this difficult time. Your continued commitment to our graduates have made it possible to create this celebration."

RELATED: Salute Your 2020 Toms River Grad On Patch With Photos, Messages

The YouTube links for the three graduations are below:

TOMS RIVER SOUTH

TOMS RIVER EAST

TOMS RIVER NORTH

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