The Story
Graduation will look a little different this year.
Wait, what?
Obviously, the school isn’t able to host its normal graduation, because of, um, the circumstances that you already know about. So Mr. Jozokos and the administration have come up with the next best thing.
How does it work?
Seniors will attend the ceremony with their advisor and advisory, and that’s pretty much it, with the exception of immediate family. So no, friends and other family members, you can’t go. The only other people who will be there are members of the school administration, so they can, you know, graduate people. There will even be designated parking and seating for family members, so as to not cross-contaminate between sessions.
What else?
Graduation will, as always, be held on the high school field. But instead of every advisory graduating in one long ceremony, each one will come to the school in shifts. This means that graduation will happen over the course of three days, instead of three hours. Good luck, Mr. Jozokos. Get your mask ready.
How did they come up with this?
Jozokos said, in a video explanation, that after weighing the pros and cons of every scenario, this was the best that they could do with the situation. If they postpone graduation to later in June, August, or even next year, they will lose student participants who will go to the military, and even students who are going off to college. The administration wants as many seniors there as possible, and so the decision was made to have graduation now.
Will it even happen?
Considering that Governor Sununu has extended the stay-at-home order until May 31st (with exception to some other businesses and small gatherings) it’s possible that graduation could not even be allowed by the state government. However, this is only if the order is further extended to a date beyond the end of May, and beyond the dates when graduation is supposed to be held. Mr. Jozokos has said that he will continue to work with the fire department and the state to ensure everyone’s safety.
The Runaway
Seniors, keep your hopes up and your hand sanitizer ready.
What to Say…
When there’s a light at the end of the tunnel…
Things are (kind of) opening up again! Although the shelter in place order made by Gov. Sununu has been stretched (see above), there have been a few modifications made that will keep you hopeful. Campgrounds are open only to NH residents (that’s right Mass, stay out!) If camping isn’t your thing, you could go to a state park, but you might have to make a reservation in order to keep visitor numbers low. Also, today time sensitive hospital procedures like MRIs can be performed, as well as biopsies and other operations. As for later in the month, May 11th marks when your dad can finally go golfing again, and when hair establishments, retail stores, and drive-in movie theaters open. And on May 18th, you can sort of go out to eat again, but only at outside tables with less than six people. And, you guessed it, the tables have to be six feet apart. It’s a start, at least.
Things to Know…
Have you thought about this yet?
Portfolios of Work are due between May 15th and May 20th, depending on what grade you’re in. Check your email, for crying out loud.