How the ‘green phase’ changed graduation plans for this Centre County school district
Following a surprise announcement last week, Bald Eagle Area School District seniors will graduate during an in-person ceremony.
With initial plans for a parade-style procession, the district changed its commencement arrangements, following Centre County’s “green phase” reopening status. During the seniors’ all-night celebration last week, BEA announced that an in-person ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Alumni Stadium.
BEA Superintendent Scott Graham said the district will enforce social distancing guidelines, and masks will be required to enter the stadium.
Each graduating senior — 126 total — will receive four guest passes. All graduates and guest seating will be spaced out in accordance with rules outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Graham said.
While attendance will likely be in excess of the green phase’s cap of 250 people at social gatherings, the state Department of Education gives power to local schools to decide how to handle graduation activities.
“Schools may hold virtual high school graduation and other end of school year ceremonies during the COVID-19 closure,” the guidelines say. “The safety and security of all students and school communities are a priority for the commonwealth and all chief school administrators.”
Wanting to honor seniors who missed out on staple events due to the coronavirus, Centre County schools organized alternative graduation ceremonies, but BEA is the first to re-evaluate its plans since the county’s reopening.
Penns Valley Area School District students organized an online petition to graduate in person, but the district plans to maintain its drive-thru graduation ceremony, scheduled for Friday.
Centre County Christian Academy hosted graduation last weekend, and Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District held a ceremony at Wednesday at the Super 322 Drive-In in Clearfield County.
The State College and Bellefonte Area school districts also have plans to hold alternative graduations. Bellefonte’s drive-thru commencement will take place Friday, and SCASD’s virtual ceremony will be held Saturday.
This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 3:04 PM.
