Graduation is not off the table at Grafton High as Class of 2020 prepares for virtual celebrations

Grafton High School Principal Jim Pignataro is still hoping the Class of 2020 will be still be able to celebrate their senior year, including prom and graduation.

In the meantime, the COVID-19 pandemic is making everything else virtual.

In an email to students and families Monday, Pignataro said he has scheduled a virtual ceremony for Scholarship Awards Night, with pre-recorded videos of speeches and award presentation. It will be broadcast on June 1.

Senior Class Night will have a similar format with a tentative broadcast date of June 2.

Graduation itself is especially tricky due to social distancing guidelines. 

“No final decision has been made on the date and location for this event,” Pignataro wrote. “We are sending out a survey to seniors this week with some possible options if the Hanover Theatre is not available on Friday, June 5. We hope to hear about venues and crowd limitation guidelines soon.”

Pignataro also hasn’t given up hope for prom.

“We have set aside some dates in June for an event at our school, but there are many factors outside of our control that we will have to consider,” he said.