Schools Prepare Alternative Graduation Plans

Social distancing restrictions will prevent regularly scheduled graduation ceremonies this spring. One school consulted its students to decide what to do instead.

Hastings Public Schools asked students to fill out a survey to choose between a virtual graduation on the original date of May 17th and the hope of an in-person ceremony on July 26th. Before the survey was sent out a letter was sent to parents to promote family discussions about the choice.

Jeff Schneider is Superintendent of Hastings Public Schools. He said the district hoped for a clear majority from the vote.

“I had heard some very emotional opinions on both sides,” Schneider said. “Some people really wanted closure on May 17th. Some people felt that it needed to be delayed. We just decided the kids have had enough things that they’ve lost this spring. We need to at least give them a voice in this decision.”

The July date won with 70% of the vote. If health directives don’t allow for an in-person ceremony, the school will hold a virtual event. 200 seniors are expected to graduate and the crowd would usually total around 3500 people.

Watch: Daily News Update, April 29