Graduations will look very different for 2020 seniors as they will take on a virtual format, as discussed at a Wednesday special called meeting of the Christian County School Board.
The virtual graduations will take place on May 29, with Hopkinsville High School streaming ceremonies at 5:30 p.m. and Christian County High School streaming at 8 p.m. CCHS Principal Chris Bentzel explained how the process would work—the schools will contact seniors and create appointments, then the students will come into the school for filming to create the virtual graduation ceremony.
A video team will create a traditional ceremony, similar to what the community is used to seeing. Bentzel says they wanted to do more for the seniors than just create a slideshow of pictures and they will make sure social distancing and health guidelines are followed during the appointments. He says filming will start around May 12 for HHS and CCHS will start soon after, and they’ll make sure that each senior gets to have a copy of the ceremony and other items.
HHS Principal Dr. John Gunn says the virtual graduations will stream in several places and minimal staff will be on hand to sanitize areas and aid students.
Gateway Academy will also be taking part in this plan. In other action, the board approved a calendar revision, with the last day of the 2019-2020 school year set for May 12, according to CCPS Spokesperson John Rittenhouse. The board also approved waving the 15 day unexcused absence rule for 2020 graduation due to COVID-19.