The Class of 2020 will have to make do with a virtual graduation, at least for the time being.

In a letter released today to the Class of 2020, Dr. Donald E. Fennoy II, the superintendent of the  School District of Palm Beach County, announced that the district is going ahead with plans for each high school to have its own virtual graduation ceremony beginning in late May to be aired on Comcast 234, AT&T U-verse 99, and simultaneously streamed on the district’s website.

Stating that the virtual ceremony “will follow the format of traditional graduations,” Fennoy explained that each graduate will have their name called and their picture displayed.  There will also be speeches by the graduates’  principal and “classmates,” presumably including the class valedictorian and salutatorian. Fennoy will also deliver remarks at the virtual graduation ceremonies.

Fennoy went on to explain that while he agrees that “a traditional graduation ceremony is the preferred way to honor”  the graduates’ academic achievements, “state and local guidelines regarding social distancing prevent the District from allowing mass gatherings at this time.”

Fennoy did not rule out the possibility of their being some of sort of in-person graduation ceremonies later in the summer by writing, “As you are aware, neither state or federal officials are able to provide a clear timeline for when large gatherings will again be safe. However, please know that the District is monitoring the situation closely, hoping that there may be a possibility that schools can coordinate recognition events in late summer.”