Class of 2020 Graduation: Yesterday I was asked about graduation ceremonies. I want to spend some time today clarifying. We fully understand what an important rite of passage this is.
However, due to the infectiousness of
#COVID19, this year everything has to be different. I want to share with you something that our son-in-law, Bill Darling, wrote. He is the track and cross-country coach at Thomas Worthington High School.
#COVID19, this year everything has to be different. I want to share with you something that our son-in-law, Bill Darling, wrote. He is the track and cross-country coach at Thomas Worthington High School.
He writes, "There is a song making the rounds these days that was written by my good friend Eric Gnezda
[nez -da], called ‘True Heroes.’ In it, he sings, ‘True heroes are measured by what they give away.’ In the spring of 2020, for you seniors, you gave up a lot.
[nez -da], called ‘True Heroes.’ In it, he sings, ‘True heroes are measured by what they give away.’ In the spring of 2020, for you seniors, you gave up a lot.
You gave up most of your last semester of high school. You gave up normal graduation, grad parties and prom. And you gave up your last track season.
It would be far better to look at not what was taken from you, but what you gave. You gave it up to save the lives of your fellow Ohioans. You gave it up knowing that, in all likelihood, you may have been fine -- but others would have been in peril.
In these next few years, look around your table. Keep your eyes up in your community. See them. Know that there are people who will be with us for years to come -- people who are so precious and so valuable. They will be here because of what you have given away.”
When we look at whether or not to hold a graduation ceremony, social distancing and keeping social distance practices must be first and foremost. Mass gatherings simply cannot be held.
I asked @OHEducation and @OHDeptofHealth to issue guidance for local schools and health departments to follow.
Here is a summary of what they recommend:
1⃣ Virtual graduation ceremonies (preferred) - we know many schools are already doing that.
Here is a summary of what they recommend:
1⃣ Virtual graduation ceremonies (preferred) - we know many schools are already doing that.
2⃣ Drive-in ceremonies where students drive to a designated location at a designated time to get their diplomas.
3⃣ An event with 10 people or less at a time, who are socially distanced, where a graduate can receive his or her diploma.
3⃣ An event with 10 people or less at a time, who are socially distanced, where a graduate can receive his or her diploma.
Ohio has 612 school districts. Each school district must work with their local health department to make sure that their plan is in accordance with public health guidelines to deal with the pandemic.
Of equal concern are graduation parties. This is tough this year, and I would ask people to remember - graduation parties can pose as much - or more - of a risk as a graduation. Our guidelines are no more than 10 people.
We will post this guidance on our webpage at coronavirus.ohio.gov
