BVA senior petitions for traditional prom, graduation

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

The thought of no prom and a virtual graduation ceremony doesn’t exactly sit well with Belle Vernon Area senior Natalie French.

“After our 12 years of hard work and dedication, it will end with a virtual ceremony or something of the same manner,” French wrote in a description of an online petition posted Tuesday evening.

The petition is an effort to have a traditional prom and graduation ceremony, not just for French and her classmate, but for students across Pennsylvania.

“I, like many others, believe this is unfair,” French said. “There are many precautions that can be taken to ensure the health of everyone.” 

Belle Vernon Area’s graduation is scheduled for June 3, but school board President Joe Grata said it’s not likely to happen on that date because gatherings are limited to no more than 25 people. 

June 24 is being considered as an alternative by the BVA administration along with dates in July and August.

“We’re looking at alternatives and we’re still keeping options open,” Grata said. “If the doors open, we’re ready to move in. If we were to get two weeks’ notice, we could pull it off.

“We’re sympathetic and supportive (of the students), but our hands are tied.”

Superintendent Dr. Michele Dowell said the district hopes it will be able to provide a traditional graduation ceremony. 

“Unfortunately, we have to follow the current orders which allow social gatherings of up to 25 people (beginning today), and that will not work for a traditional graduation ceremony,” Dowell said. “Please know that this is not Belle Vernon Area School District not wanting to do this for the graduating seniors, but rather the current situation is not allowing us.”

Last month, Gov. Tom Wolf issued a statement of congratulations to the Class of 2020 while indicating that in-person graduation ceremonies would not occur. 

“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 posted to his Twitter account April 27. “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 went on to say in a press conference that week that even when regions transition from the red phase to yellow as part of the state’s reopening plan, large gatherings such graduations won’t be permitted.

Counties that make up the Belle Vernon Area School District entered the yellow phase today. 

Despite restrictions on large gatherings, French hopes to see change as she believes in-person end-of-the-year events could go on during their scheduled dates. 

That’s why she posted the petition, which had 1,424 signatures Thursday afternoon, on Change.org. 

“I actually wrote this petition about two weeks ago but I was nervous as to whether or not people would actually participate,” French said. “I am surprised that it was shared just beyond my school district, but I am not surprised that people agree with this because there seems to be many other people who believe seniors shouldn’t have to miss these events. 

“Over 1,000 supporters may seem like a lot for our community, but it needs to become bigger to reach the entire state.”

French said she hopes the petition can get enough attention and support that it reaches Gov. Wolf and other state officials. She then hopes they will allow individual schools to make decisions on how to safely conduct graduation ceremonies and proms. 

In the description of her petition, French said she tries her best to understand what those personally affected by the coronavirus are going through and hopes to avoid receiving backlash for being “selfish and insincere.” 

She believes, however, that an outdoor graduation ceremony would allow an opportunity to keep people out of closer quarters while still following social distancing guidelines. 

“Only immediate family would be allowed to attend and would have to RSVP ahead of time,” French wrote. “By having a count of how many families there would be, the seats could be assigned to keep everyone as far apart as possible. Also, at my school’s stadium, there are two sides of bleachers across the field from each other that would supply more than enough seating.

“Lastly, if you are uncomfortable with this option, you simply just do not have to come and could watch a live stream from home. My grandmothers, who are 91 and 82, both have health conditions that would prevent them from attending, but I could assure you they would want me to have this experience.”

French understands it’s tougher to enforce social distancing at an event such as the prom.

She said, though, that high school students have been taught proper hygiene and health practices that could help lessen the risk of spreading the virus. 

She added it would be each individual’s choice whether or not to attend. 

“Many students and their family members have worked many hours to be able to afford their prom dresses and tuxes, and it would be a true waste for it to never be worn since they were ordered and paid for months in advance of the emergence of COVID-19,” French wrote. “Missing out on what should have been the most fun three months of school is not the end of the world, but I feel as though having a somewhat normal and traditional graduation ceremony and prom would be the only two things we could have in our memory from the end of our senior year. 

“Although some may argue that these events could be pushed back to a later time this summer or next year, I know that many of my fellow classmates will not be able to attend. By having these events at the scheduled dates or early summer, it gives a better opportunity for more students to attend.”

Questions surround Belle Vernon Area’s prom more than graduation. 

The prom was scheduled to take place today, but has been pushed back to the alternative date of June 12. 

The event was supposed to take place at the Historic Summit Inn Resort in Farmington, an establishment that is closed due to the coronavirus.

“We are trying to get another alternative date further into the summer, but don’t have anything definitive,” Dowell said. 

“These events are always on our minds,” Grata said. “I fully respect what (French) is doing, but the circumstances just are what they are.”