Spotsylvania Schools Plan In-Person Ceremonies For Class Of 2020

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — The Spotsylvania County Public Schools system has developed a way to allow graduating seniors at its high schools to participate in small graduation ceremonies, the school system said Wednesday. The events will be held in controlled settings in which social distancing and other safety measures will be practiced to protect the participants from the coronavirus.

Courtland, Chancellor, Massaponax, Riverbend and Spotsylvania high schools will conduct private graduation events for more than 1,700 graduates between May 18 and May 29. Graduates and their families will receive information from their high school principals outlining the specific details relating to the in-person ceremonies.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's Order 55, which is in effect through at least June 10, prohibits all public and private in-person gatherings of more than 10 people, whether they occur indoors or outdoors.

While delaying and rescheduling the graduation ceremonies was considered, holding the events in the summer or fall also presented a variety of challenges, the school system said. For example, the county schools had no guarantee they would be able to hold large gatherings at a later date due to the phased approach for reopening the state.

“Despite the unprecedented challenges, seniors and their families deserve the best we can provide in honoring their monumental achievements," Dr. Scott Baker, Spotsylvania County Public Schools superintendent, said Wednesday in a statement. "Their deep disappointment in having the final months of a long journey cut short, is more than understandable."

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At the events, each graduate will wear their cap and gown, hear their name announced, walk across the stage, receive the diploma, turn their tassel and have their photo taken, the school system said. Graduates will also be able to include four immediate family members to accompany them for the event.

A video that includes speeches and other traditional aspects of the commencement exercises will be produced for the graduates. As in the past, graduation commencement videos will be posted on school websites throughout the summer.

“Ideally, we were hoping that the scheduling of a traditional graduation ceremony might be possible," Baker said. "Unfortunately, there still exists a high degree of uncertainty regarding when it might be possible for a mass gathering to take place. As the safety and well-being of our students remains the highest priority, we believe that the opportunity being provided allows for a memorable experience in a secure environment."

In the autumn, each high school will again honor the class of 2020 during their homecoming football game.

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