A parade-style procession is among ways BEA will honor the class of 2020. Here’s what else is planned
From an all-night party to a way for seniors to receive diplomas in person, Bald Eagle Area School District officials are doing what they can to make sure the class of 2020 doesn’t miss out on staple events.
Despite challenges caused by COVID-19, high school Principal Jack Tobias announced plans for a virtual celebration and in-person graduation ceremony. The virtual celebration will take place via livestream at 6 p.m. June 5. Commencement — a parade-style procession — will begin at 5 p.m. June 6, with a scheduled rain date of June 8, Tobias said during Thursday’s board of education meeting.
For the June 6 ceremony, there will be a stage positioned at the front of the high school building. Students and parents are asked to remain in their cars while seniors and district administrators deliver their commencement speeches.
Graduates will be called one at a time to walk across the stage and receive their diploma in cap and gown. One parent or guardian will be permitted to exit their vehicle to photograph their student.
For those unable to attend, commencement will be livestreamed on the district Youtube channel.
A senior all-night celebration is scheduled for May 29 and will begin via livestream at 7 p.m. Students will be entered into drawings for TVs, computers and gift cards. Every student will be awarded a $25 gift certificate, but they must be on the Zoom meeting to win additional prizes.
Prior to the party at 6:30 p.m., parents will be entered into a “parking space draft” for parents who will not be driving in the graduation parade.
BEA is the latest Centre County school district to announce virtual or socially distanced graduation plans. The Philipsburg-Osceola, State College and Penns Valley area school districts have announced plans for virtual and in-person graduation ceremonies in June.
