BVA seniors will graduate together after all

By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com
The Belle Vernon Area Class of 2020 will have as close to a normal graduation as possible June 24, despite COVID-19 restrictions on crowds.
The school board, following a special graduation committee meeting last week and an executive session discussion regarding possible legal ramifications following Tuesday’s agenda meeting, decided to hold a single commencement ceremony at James Weir Stadium.
The decision came after several students and parents attended a school board meeting last week to plead with officials to allow the Class of 2020 to graduate as one.
“The biggest concern was whether we were in compliance with the 250-person limit,” said board President Joe Grata. “We feel we have gone above and beyond that requirement by dividing it into three different venues. You won’t be able to physically go from one venue to the other. The kids will be in the center of the field.”
Each student will receive two tickets for the graduation ceremony, with the tickets assigned to either the home or visitors side of the stadium. There will be separate entrances for each side and for the students entering the field, with everyone participating in the event required to wear masks and sign a waiver. Temperatures will also be taken to make sure no one is running a fever.
“Without a ticket, mask and waiver, guests will not be permitted to enter the stadium,” Grata said.
Grata said the school board believes it is living up to both the spirit and the letter of the law as set forward by the state to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He said there shouldn’t be any repercussions against the district.
“Precedents have already been set. New Castle had a commencement last weekend with 400 people. Bald Eagle also held an in-person graduation,” Grata said. “I don’t think there are any threats of withholding money.”
Grata said the district surveyed the members of the graduating class and the students all wanted to be together for graduation, even if it meant holding the ceremony for the 176 graduates without a live audience.
As it is, those who are unable to attend the ceremony will still be able to view the event through live-streaming on social media.
Check Facebook and the high school website, www.bvasd.net, for information as it becomes available.
Meanwhile, staff continues to develop details. Guidelines, restrictions, ticket pick-up times and other information will be shared through online school websites. Rain date is June 25.

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