Like 2020, Shepaug graduation will have drive-in movie look
Pomperaug High graduation plans still in progress
While planning for high school graduation in 2020 was a work in progress for Connecticut schools dealing with COVID-19 and its restrictions, Region 12 Superintendent Megan Bennett said it has been easier planning for Shepaug Valley High graduation this time around.
“We will be replicating the graduation of last year with a few restrictions lifted when compared to the 2020 graduation,” Bennett said. “The Shepaug administrative team and I are meeting with the seniors and their families tomorrow night (Wednesday) to answer any questions about graduation. I believe this year's graduation planning is easier because last year's celebration exceeded expectations.”
Shepaug Valley graduation will be on June 12 with a pre-graduation parade and drive-in movie experience.
Last June, Shepaug graduation began with a one-hour senior parade through the towns where Shepaug draws their students from in Washington, Roxbury and Bridgewater. The parade arrived at the Bridgewater Fairgrounds, cars were parked in their assigned spaces and the graduation movie began at 9 p.m. Students and parents stayed in their cars during the entire movie except for one brief moment. The movie was paused about half-way through for the students to exit their cars and ceremoniously move the tassels on their cap from one side to the other.
This time, some restrictions will be modified.
“This year, we will allow students to have a seat outside of their cars and cross the graduation stage to get their diplomas,” Bennett said. “I believe this year's graduation planning is also easier because we are able to plan for safety while offering up some more opportunities.
“This year, we have a better understanding of the spread of COVID-19 and mitigation strategies that work when designing ceremonies and events.”
Last year, Shepaug seniors had to go to the high school to pick up their diplomas.
Region 15 Superintendent Joshua Smith said Pomperaug High graduation plans are still in progress although a date for the graduation has been set for June 18.
“We need to dot a few i’s before it is ready, but many aspects of our graduation will borrow from the successes we had last year,” Smith said. “It was made clear on a call with state public health officials just today that the easing of restrictions does not apply to public schools and we need to enforce stricter standards until further notice.”
In 2020, the 326 Pomperaug seniors had their special day with graduation held in the parking lot of the Olymbec USA complex in Middlebury. Each car had a senior and their parents. Cars were assigned specific spaces to park in. During the ceremony, the seniors and their families were asked to stay in their cars or outside near the car.