graduation Ceremony

The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) recently released a Statement on Graduation Ceremonies. In this statement, ODE outlined very specifically the choices available for graduation ceremonies.

• Virtual Graduation Ceremonies - a virtual graduation ceremony is typically a slide show featuring each graduate's photo with a quote provided by the graduate, post high school plans, accomplishments, etc.

• Structured and Controlled In-Person Graduation Ceremonies - ODE provides two types of ceremonies that "create memorable experiences for participants that also follow social distancing best practices and comply with the mass gatherings limit of 10 people"

  • • • Drive-Thru Graduations

      • Single Family In-Person Graduations

The Class of 2020 deserves to have the most memorable ceremony possible given the current circumstances. Therefore, we are excited to announce that LHS will hold a "Single Family In-Person" graduation ceremony! While we realize this is not the graduation ceremony anyone envisioned for the Class of 2020, we feel it is the most personal of all the options provided by ODE. Here are the guidelines set forth by ODE that are driving our plan for what is sure to be a most memorable event.

"Families are called into the auditorium one-by-one (no more than 10 people total including the school administrators), the student walks across the stage, receives a diploma and walks out of the auditorium and back to the car. The next family enters. Attention should be paid to disinfecting surfaces (door handles, hand railings, etc.) that may be repeatedly touched. Also, strict parking management and regulation is needed to prevent congregating in parking lots and outdoor locations. This can be done by appointment only to ensure a smooth process for all.

School districts seeking to hold these types of alternative celebrations should involve the local health departments, and law enforcement partners to ensure that health and safety protocols are followed appropriately.

Postponing graduations also is challenging because of the evolving nature of this disease. Postponement carries the risk that circumstances may be no different later in the year than they are at the present time. The manner in which the virus will progress is unknown. Postponement may lead to additional disappointment should it be that mass gathering restrictions are still in place. Postponing also increases the chance of conflicting with post-graduation plans.

It is important that every effort is made to avoid mass gatherings which potentially would allow the virus to spread quickly. The Ohio Department of Health has defined mass gatherings as a group of 10 people or more who do not live in the same household. The ban on mass gatherings includes any outdoor ceremonies even if social distancing is achieved.

We know this is a disappointment for our many seniors and their families. We share your sadness and thank you for your cooperation as we remain committed to holding these ceremonies in the safest way possible for all Ohioans."

Graduation will be held on May 23, the originally scheduled date. Please click on the link below for detailed information.