Masks Can’t Stifle Smiles At West Orange High School Graduation

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It was a graduation ceremony unlike any that West Orange High School has ever seen.

Last week, seniors and their families gathered at Suriano Stadium for an in-person ceremony, which was postponed a day due to a soggy weather forecast. Students officially graduated on June 23 via a virtual ceremony due to the coronavirus crisis.

The West Orange High School ceremony was done under Gov. Phil Murphy’s allowance for socially distanced graduations, school officials said.

According to administrators, three separate ceremonies were held, with students divided by last name. More than two-thirds of the graduates returned to attend the outdoor event; each was allowed to bring two family members.

The 88-degree weather under a hot summer sun didn’t sour the cheerful mood of students and their families, as seen on social media. See a video slideshow of the event here.

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