In-person graduation ceremonies in jeopardy
By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
Gov. Tom Wolf shared a grim offer of congratulations for the Class of 2020 on his Twitter account this week that included an indication that graduations won’t happen this year.
“Graduation is supposed to be a time to look back and celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately the 2019 novel coronavirus has made it impossible for traditional graduation ceremonies to take place,” Wolf said in a video. “And it also means you’re missing out on a lot of other important gatherings like graduation parties and senior send-offs. A lot of you are probably feeling angry about this — and you have a right to feel that way because you have been dealt a bad hand.”
Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a press conference this week that even when regions move from red to yellow as part of the state’s reopening plan, large gatherings like graduations won’t be permitted.
“We know that school has been canceled for the rest of the school year, and we’re not going to allow large gatherings even in yellow zones, so I think that that’s a fair assumption, is that graduations will have to be remote,” she said.
Wolf said everyone has had to make sacrifices to keep the public safe during the pandemic, and for seniors, graduation is been a big one.
“But I know that your generation has the strength and the mindset to make the best of this situation. Someday you will look back on this time and recall with amazement the ways you stayed connected with friends and family and how you found unusual ways to celebrate,” Wolf said. “And while it will never replace your graduation, it will be one more way you are connected to the people you knew during this time.
“So congratulations, Class of 2020, I wish you the best of luck.”
In the Monessen School District, Superintendent Dr. Leanne Spazak said last week graduation will take place on time, but the question is what type of celebration will be held. Spazak said the goal is to hold as close to a traditional ceremony as possible June 12 or that weekend.
Because the Class of 2020 has 56 students, she believes it will be possible to have an in-person ceremony in Memorial Stadium to meet social distancing guidelines.
Ringgold is planning a traditional graduation that could take place May 29, June 5, June 24 or July 8 if restrictions on gatherings are lifted. There is also a virtual graduation plan being developed for June 5.
According to its website, South Allegheny School District will aim for an in-person graduation June 5, July 2 or Aug. 7 at Glassport Memorial Stadium.
Other local districts have yet to announce plans for graduation.
New cases
Pennsylvania reported 1,214 new cases Tuesday for a total of 43,264. There were 119 new deaths reported for a total of 1,716.
Though the number of cases of the virus now includes probable cases, the death count is limited to confirmed cases only.
Allegheny County now has 1,235 cases, an increase of 11 patients, and eight new deaths, bringing that total to 87.
Fayette County has had no increases since Sunday. There have been a total of 79 cases and four deaths.
Washington County added two new cases for a total of 109 patients, and the county has reported no new deaths. There have been two fatalities.
Westmoreland County added six new cases Tuesday for a total 383 and, according to the DOH, there has been one more death and that total is now 20. However, Westmoreland County Coroner Ken Bacha reports no additional deaths, which keeps the total he is tracking at 30 deaths due to the virus.
