Tentative dates have been set for Owensboro Public Schools to hold in-person graduations for all three of their high schools, and the district also announced Thursday other plans to honor seniors in the more immediate future.
Though OPS is unsure of what each ceremony will look like, they are asking students and families to “save the dates” for graduation as follows:
Owensboro High School: July 24, Aug. 7, Aug. 8
Owensboro Innovation Academy: July 26, Aug. 9
Emerson Academy: July 24 and Aug. 7
“After hearing from our student leadership and others, it was clear that an in-person graduation was a top priority for the Class of 2020,” Interim Superintendent Matthew Constant said in a release to all the families. “The ‘Save the Dates’ listed above are the dates that we have set aside to do just that. We are unsure of what the ceremony will look like at this time, but we plan to have an in-person graduation at the earliest date possible listed for each school.”
All the details including times, locations and number of guests still have yet to be determined.
“We’ve got the dates planned,” said Jared Revlett, OPS public information officer. “That’s the important thing so that people can let their families know when these events are going to be. As far as the nitty-gritty details of the actual ceremonies, we’re going to iron those out as we get a little bit closer and get a little bit more guidance from the state.”
As a more timely tribute to the seniors, each of the three schools are putting together a slideshow that will feature each member of the Class of 2020, with information about their plans following graduation. These will be completed and shared via OPS social media platforms and the district YouTube channel by May 25.
At OHS, photos of each graduate of the Class of 2020 will be lined up along Frederica Street in front of the high school beginning May 15.
Students going into the military or who move away before the in-person ceremonies will still be hand-delivered a diploma, Revlett said.
Though the ceremonies are roughly three months away, Revlett said the students wanted to do whatever it took to have them in person.
“They really wanted to have that in-person graduation, not only for the ceremony itself but also to have a chance to say goodbye to all of their friends and teachers,” he said.
In his letter to families, Constant said the district wanted to honor the Class of 2020 in a way they deserved.
“I can’t begin to imagine how you are feeling as we wrap up the end of your senior year,” Constant wrote. “This school year has ended in a way that no one ever wanted, or could see happening, but you have risen to the occasion and have led your school to the finish line. This class will not only be remembered for their accomplishments in the classroom, on stage and on the athletics fields, but for their willingness to face adversity during an unprecedented time and get through it as a family.”
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