Seniors at Daviess County Public Schools will receive their diplomas this month, but in-person graduation ceremonies are still on hold.
“DCPS will delay in-person graduation ceremonies until such a time as restrictions on large public gatherings are lifted,” officials said in a Friday morning release.
The district has developed plans for those ceremonies whenever they are able to be held. Information will be communicated to graduates and their families as those opportunities become available and details are finalized.
In the meantime, graduates at Apollo, Daviess County and Heritage Park high schools will have an opportunity to receive their diplomas during “modified ceremonies” later this month.
Students will be contacted next week with assigned times to arrive at their high schools, and only members of their immediate households may attend.
The modified ceremonies are scheduled as follows:
- Apollo High School – Approximately 275 seniors will return to AHS at designated times between 4-6 p.m. on May 16.
- Daviess County High School – Approximately 380 seniors will return to DCHS at designated times between 5:30-8:30 p.m. on May 15.
- Heritage Park High School – Approximately 70 seniors will return to HPHS at designated times between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on May 16.
There will be an opportunity for photos and video with special backdrops, and drone footage will also be taken. Photographs and video footage will be compiled and shared with families at a later date.
“We believe this is important as it allows our students to move forward without delay regarding military service, workforce opportunities and postsecondary education plans with documentation as high school graduates,” said DCPS Superintendent Matt Robbins.
Plans were developed in compliance with Kentucky Department of Education recommendations with approval from the Green River District Health Department.
Students, families and high school representatives will practice social distancing and other safe behaviors throughout the ceremonies.
“The Class of 2020 will always be remembered as one that faced adversity with courage and grace,” said DCPS Superintendent Matt Robbins. “Although we are all disappointed that many traditional milestones were rescheduled or cancelled altogether during the final months of the school year, the resiliency and determination demonstrated by these students in working toward their goals have earned my utmost respect. They are a special class of students whom we will always remember.”
