Class of 2020: Outdoor Graduation
June 11, 2020
Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is excited to announce that the Class of 2020 will be able to assemble with their classmates, family members, and loved ones to celebrate graduation. Graduates will be celebrating in outdoor ceremonies across the county on Monday, June 15, 2020. We are fortunate that the early decision to delay graduations will now give our graduates their time to shine together, yet apart.
We understand the governor’s unexpected announcement and this change may create inconveniences for our school families. Throughout the pandemic, WCPS has explored every opportunity to reach our goal of giving our graduates a proper celebration - one that resembles a traditional graduation. We believe this is the best way to honor and recognize the achievements of this extraordinary class.
All graduation ceremonies will be held on Monday, June 15, 2020 at the following times and locations:
Governor Hogan is encouraging outdoor graduation ceremonies with “appropriate capacity and distancing measures in place.”
While WCPS is thankful the governor’s restrictions have changed to allow an outdoor graduation, we still must balance the need to protect the community’s health and limit the potential spread of COVID-19. In order for these graduation celebrations to be successful, WCPS will require graduates and guests to follow strict guidelines for social distancing and safe interactions.
Social distancing of at least six feet will be maintained among graduates and all attendees, and hand sanitizer will be available at multiple locations.
Graduates will be provided a face covering in their school colors to wear with their cap and gown throughout the ceremony (see photo below). All guests must provide and wear their own mask while attending the full event. Any guest without a mask will not be admitted to the ceremony.
The program will be intentionally brief, with a focus on recognizing the graduates by name to receive their diplomas.
We want families to understand this is an optional event. All attendees, especially at-risk populations, should consider the risk of participating in large group gatherings before deciding to attend graduation.
Guest Tickets
Each graduate will be able to bring up to four guests. The graduate will be presented with four tickets upon arriving at the ceremony.
Weather Cancelation
If there is heavy rain, thunderstorms, or severe weather, the Monday, June 15 graduation will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at the same times and locations.
To the best of our ability, a decision regarding a cancelation on either day will be made by 7:00 a.m. Families will receive a phone call, text message, and email through the WCPS Connect mass notification system. The announcement will also be shared on the WCPS website and social media channels.
A Family Celebration
In the unfortunate event that weather conditions prohibit an outdoor ceremony on June 15 and June 16, schools will continue with plans to hold individual family celebrations as announced by their principal.
Virtual Graduation
The virtual graduations will air on YouTube Premiere as scheduled. These videos will feature speeches from principals, valedictorians, salutatorians, the Board of Education president, and other class speakers.