Charleroi Area planning normal graduation

By TAYLOR BROWN

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Charleroi Area School District is still planning a traditional graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020.

Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich said Thursday that a date for the ceremony hasn’t been determined and several other events are in the works for graduates.

Seniors will not have final exams for the fourth quarter and will have their last day of virtual learning June 1.

Instead of having classmates sign yearbooks and take pictures, students will have to virtually celebrate on their final day of school.

But that won’t be the case for graduation.

Students will “drive-through” to pick up their caps and gowns May 20.

A graduation ceremony  scheduled for June 5 has been canceled, but may be rescheduled for a later date.

In July, pending a relaxation of social distancing guidelines, students will walk across a stage in front of their peers, friends and family to accept their diplomas.

High school Principal Patty Mason said students made it clear what they wanted.

“This is a unique situation,” Mason said. “We have been meeting with the senior class sponsors and senior class executive committee virtually, brainstorming ideas, discussing and coming back to the table. It was important for me to let the kids have a voice in this because it is their graduation.”

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