Boothbay Region High School

BRHS Class of 2020 to have full graduation ceremony June 5

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 12:00pm

After they responded to a survey, Boothbay Region High School seniors will come together at 2 p.m. June 5 for a full graduation ceremony. Principal Tricia Campbell and Dean of Students Allan Crocker said they wanted students to decide how their sendoff will take place.

Campbell said June restrictions will allow gatherings of no more than 50 people at six feet apart. As a graduating class of 30, a full ceremony is doable with essential staff and administration while family and friends will be able to watch the ceremony live on cable or Facebook. The ceremony will follow the traditional format: Students will be in cap and gown for the presentation of their diplomas and moving of tassels; Campbell will give the principal’s welcome; valedictorian Hali Goodwin and salutatorian Will Perkins will give their speeches; and Superintendent Keith Laser will give his address.

Since families, friends and classmates will not be able to attend, Boothbay Region TV will film the ceremony live and the Class of 2020 community will be performing a celebration parade through the towns in the early evening. The Boothbay Register will be on hand to provide coverage as well.

“Nothing will stop us from celebrating our seniors!” Campbell said in an email to students and parents. “We are not able to run our traditional ceremonies, but we want to make memories that are unique and special to the Class of 2020!”

In the weeks ahead, lawn signs will be popping up around the community, and seniors will pick up yearbooks, their signs and caps and gowns, Campbell said. Crocker will schedule seniors for graduation practices in the days leading up to graduation.

Said Campbell, “The rationale for this decision is to work within the restrictions set by the state at this time and providing student voice in the decision. In May, we cannot hold assemblies larger than 10 people with six-foot distancing and … July and August are unknown at this time. We want to work within what we can do and focus on the positive: Celebrating our graduates! We will remain open to the possibilities for additional celebrations in the future. We want to do all that we can to make positive memories for our graduates!”

This article has been updated since its original posting.