The Hawks Have Left the Nest!

Plainview, NY —On June 25th, the day that would have been the Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School (POBJFKHS) Senior Prom, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District held a unique graduation ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2020. Despite many traditional end-of-year festivities being cancelled due to the pandemic, administrators were determined to honor students that finished their high school careers under extraordinary circumstances.

“Due to COVID-19, our traditional commencement ceremony would have been nearly impossible for the Class of 2020 to participate in safely,” said Dr. Mary O’Meara, Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District. “However, it was very important to the District and the community that these incredible students be honored in some way. Their positivity and perseverance throughout this pandemic have inspired us all.”

Seniors arrived at POBJFKHS in decorated cars and school spirit apparel. Over 250 graduating seniors paraded in their vehicles past the District’s four elementary schools. The streets were full of community members cheering on the graduates - from families of seniors, to underclassmen, to teachers and administrators. Young families were seen camping out on their front lawns with ice pops in hand, and many older community members sat on their stoops, or outside the assisted living facilities, cheering the graduates on throughout their nine-mile route. Spectators were instructed to practice social distancing on the sidewalk as they watched the parade.

The Plainview Fire Department, NCPD 2nd Precinct and the POBJFKHS PTA helped with the organization of the event, maintaining the safety of all involved, and helped with providing novelty vehicles - including an antique fire truck. The PTA created balloon pillars, a beautiful float and a send-off sign at the end. Several businesses donated their time and services, as well as custodians, security, administrators, teachers, and even spouses of District employees, in a collective effort to ensure the event ran smoothly.

For more information about the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pobschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pobschools.