LHS holding two graduation ceremonies

Published June 3, 2020

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield High School will be holding two different graduation ceremonies this year.

Principal Bob Cleary stated in a letter sent to parents last week that Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Jeffrey Riley is “only allowing drive-up or virtual graduations until at least July 18 as part of the state’s phased reopening plan” in the wake of the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

“We had developed a plan for an amended on-field graduation ceremony and we feel that this plan will be appropriate after the July 18 date set by the commissioner,” Cleary stated. “We are setting that date to be July 24. The hope is that the governor’s phased reopening for our state continues on a positive path and we can execute that plan.

“At the same time, we want to be respectful of the fact that many students and families have made plans and commitments around the June 5 date that was originally scheduled.”

In addition to the tentative July 24 ceremony, Cleary said the high school will be hosting a drive-up graduation on Friday, June 5. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, June 6. He said students were required to fill out an attendance form by Friday, May 29 in order to specify what was their preferred way of graduating from LHS.

“Students can choose to participate in one, both or neither if they wish,” stated Cleary.

Cleary said family members who are feeling sick or have potentially been exposed to the COVID-19 virus cannot attend either ceremony.

As part of the drive-up graduation plan, Cleary said seniors and family members will be allowed to ride in one car that will be parked in a designated spot at LHS on Friday. He said buses, limousines and oversized vehicles will be prohibited. He said seniors will not be allowed to exit their cars until they are given instructions.

“Once everyone is on campus, each car will be instructed to drive around the building to the stadium field,” Cleary stated.

Cleary said speeches will be delivered before diplomas are awarded to the graduating seniors.

“Each student, while wearing a face covering, will be let out of the car one at a time and will walk onto the field,” said Cleary. “When their name is called, they will cross the stage to collect their diploma. Each student will then exit the stage and move to a designated area for a photo. Face coverings can temporarily be taken off if desired for the photo, but they must be put back on when leaving the area. Students will then get back in their car and then exit the campus. The next student will be called to the stage once the previous student reaches the photo area to ensure appropriate social distancing.”

Cleary said Lynnfield Media Studios staff will be videotaping the drive-up ceremony so that family members who cannot attend can watch it later at home.

“We will edit out the delays and put together a condensed video that will air on local cable,” said Cleary.

July 24 ceremony

In addition to Friday’s drive-up graduation, Cleary said another graduation ceremony will tentatively take place on Friday, July 24. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, July 25.

Cleary said seniors will only be allowed to bring three family members to the field ceremony. After seniors and family members are allowed to exit their cars, he said they will be required to wear a face mask before heading to their designated seating area.

“Before diplomas are given out, speeches will be delivered,” said Cleary. “Each student, while wearing a face covering, will be instructed to follow the lines and move to designated waiting spots as directed by staff. When their name is called, they will cross the stage to collect their diploma. If a student participated in the drive-up ceremony, they should bring their diploma with them or they can just walk across the stage and give a wave. Each student will then exit the stage and return to their family area following the markings on field and as directed by staff.”

After the field ceremony concludes, Cleary said “families will stay seated until they are directed to exit the field back to their vehicles.”

“Families will move directly to their vehicles and leave campus,” said Cleary. “No gatherings or delays will be allowed in the parking lot.”

During the School Committee’s May 26 meeting, Cleary said LHS officials and teachers have their “fingers crossed” that the state’s reopening continues to go smoothly and the July 24 ceremony can still take place.

If a student decides against participating in either the drive-thru or field ceremonies, Cleary said their diploma will be mailed to them at a later date.

Appreciates community’s support

Cleary thanked the high school’s “graduating task force” comprised of seniors, the Emergency Management Team and parent representatives for working to help develop the graduation plans.

“Everybody has been super helpful,” said Cleary.

Cleary also said the “community has done an awesome job” supporting the Class of 2020. He said residents have been participating in the “Adopt a Senior” initiative, parents have decorated their homes in honor of their graduate and the town has hung banners celebrating the seniors.

“It’s been awesome to see the community step up to the plate,” said Cleary.

Superintendent Jane Tremblay also noted LHS teachers dropped off signs at the graduating seniors’ homes on Tuesday, May 26.

“It was a great celebration,” said Tremblay.