Covid-19 distancing guidelines prompt 2-day graduation ceremony at Yough

Jeff Himler | Tuesday, July 14, 2020 1:59 p.m.

Tribune-Review

Yough School District will hold a staggered graduation ceremony on Aug. 1 and 2 because of social distancing guidelines during the covid-19 pandemic, according to Superintendent Janet Sardon.

Sardon said the 178 members of the Yough Senior High Class of 2020 still will be able to ascend a stage at Yough Stadium to receive their diplomas and will be able to pose for photos.

“The only thing missing will be the big crowds of people,” Sardon said. “Keeping our families safe and healthy is a priority.”

The district initially held part of its commencement ceremony virtually on May 29, and posted a video of the event on the Yough website.

“The valedictorian and salutatorian gave their speeches and we read through all the kids’ names,” Sardon explained. “We included a slide show with kids’ pictures and their awards and accomplishments.”

Sardon said the district had hoped to hold the second part of the ceremony, with students receiving their diplomas, in a single gathering at the stadium on July 24. But, because a state restriction remains in place limiting gatherings to 250 people, she said, the district has decided to instead complete the ceremony over two days during the first weekend in August.

Smaller groups of students and their families will be scheduled to arrive at the stadium at half-hour intervals for distribution of diplomas and photo sessions. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held inside the school gym.

Separating the graduates into smaller groups will allow each student to bring up to 10 guests to the ceremony while still following social distancing, Sardon noted.

Sardon said the district was preparing on Tuesday to notify families of the decision, but she said they’d been made aware of the potential for an alternative, staggered commencement in May.

Some took to social media to express their opposition to spreading the ceremony over two days.

Sardon said the decision was based on “the best interest of the school, our community and our graduates. We’re trying to take a balanced approach. Not everybody is going to be happy with that.”