Pentucket Regional High School to Hold Socially Distanced Graduation Ceremony
WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Jonathan Seymour are pleased to announce that Pentucket Regional High School will hold a socially distanced graduation ceremony this weekend.
“Graduating high school is a significant milestone, and we are so happy to be able to hold a commencement ceremony to acknowledge the accomplishments of the class of 2020,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and having this opportunity to gather, while maintaining the appropriate social distance, is all the more special in this unprecedented time. Congratulations seniors! You have grown tremendously over the past four years, and have wonderful, bright futures ahead of you.”
WHEN:
Saturday, June 6 at 10 a.m.
Rain date: Sunday, June 7 at 10 a.m.
WHERE:
The lawn in front of Pentucket Regional High School at 24 Main St., West Newbury
WHAT:
Pentucket Regional High School will hold a socially distanced graduation ceremony to recognize the class of 2020 this weekend.
Administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, guardians and the West Newbury Board of Health have all collaborated to carefully plan the socially distanced event in line with the latest guidance from local and state public health officials.
“A lot of work has gone into planning a safe, socially distanced ceremony that will allow us to recognize and celebrate the class of 2020,” Principal Seymour said. “I’d like to thank everyone who has partnered with us to make this possible. This will be a special moment for our graduating class, and we’re thrilled to have this opportunity to hold a ceremony marking their graduation.”
Students will have the option to drive to the school with their families in one vehicle, where they will be directed to a parking spot on the front lawn in front of the Pentucket Regional High School building. Once everyone is parked, the ceremony will begin. The district will also live-stream the ceremony on the Pentucket TV YouTube Channel here and it will additionally be broadcast on the radio. More information on the radio broadcast will be provided to students and their families on the day of graduation. Students will be called and directed up to a stage on the field where, while maintaining social distancing, they will be recognized by Superintendent Bartholomew and Principal Seymour. Students will receive their diploma, which will be placed on a table for them to accept without contact. Students will also have an opportunity to have their photo taken before getting back into their motor vehicles.
Valedictorian Sage Seymour, of Merrimac, and Salutatorian Nick Mower, of Groveland, will also have an opportunity to give speeches to their peers during the ceremony.
A remote senior awards night video was also shared with students and their families yesterday at 6 p.m. here. During the video, school awards were given and community based scholarship announcements were made. The program also featured a senior slideshow.
Pentucket Regional School District is also tentatively considering possible in-person celebration opportunities later this summer for the class of 2020, should social distancing guidance be loosened to allow for a safe group gathering. More information will be provided to students and their families when available.
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