North Penn Unveils Unique Plan For 2020 Graduation Ceremony

LANSDALE, PA — The North Penn School District has released its plans for a very creative "hybrid" graduation to honor the class of 2020 amid the coronavirus crisis.

With all in-person graduation ceremonies in Montgomery County canceled for this spring and early summer, local school officials have been forced to think outside the box. North Penn's solution is one of the more unique plans put forth yet.

Over the course of seven days, students will be escorted in vehicles to the track at Crawford Stadium, eventually pausing at a designated area. Families will get remain in their vehicles to snap photos while graduates are recorded walking to the stage on the field and receive their diploma.

As the class of 2020 at North Penn includes 1,028 graduating seniors, students have been placed into time slots from June 1 through June 7, in 54 groups of up to 30 students.

>>All High School Graduation Ceremonies Cancelled In Montco

Then, on June 11 at 6 p.m., the recording of the combined ceremonies will air on NPTV's Channel 28, as well as online on the NPSD Facebook page. Pre-recorded speeches from valedictorian Tony L. Xu; salutatorian Samuel Y. Lee; class president Sufyan Davis-Arrington; and senior select Samantha D. Kendikian will be included with the ceremony.

In addition, at around 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m., there will be a formal "turning of the tassels" for all graduates watching the ceremony from home. At this time, the district encourages all members of the community to light their porch lamps, ring bells, honk horns, and make other noise to celebrate the class.

Other senior related events will also be aired on TV and online, including the Senior Awards on June 4 at 6 p.m., Senior Class Night on June 5 at 7 p.m., and Senior Reflections on June 10 at 7 p.m.