WHS hopes for a live graduation

Wasco High School Principal Kevin Tallon sent a letter to all senior parents last week outlining options for the 2020 graduation ceremony:

“The governor of California may allow the reopening of Phase III of the high school stadium to hold a traditional ceremony,” Tallon said. “This would be the district’s preference.”

If the district reopened to Phase III, Tallon said the district will have some type of “in-person graduation” in late May or June. “Further details will be provided when the governor moves the state into Phase III,” the letter said.

If Phase III does not happen in May or June but later in the summer or fall, there won’t be a traditional graduation ceremony. “If that happens, we know that having a ceremony will not be possible. Many graduates plan to move on to the military, college and work commitments that will take them away from Wasco,” Tallon said. “We will hold out hope that we are able to meet the May or June timeline.”

Tallon added that, in addition to the above options, the district plans to honor the Class of 2020 with a virtual celebration.” The video will premiere on Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m. on the school’s Facebook page and other media platforms.

“We hope this gives you an opportunity to celebrate safely with your family from home,” Tallon added. “The video will include keynote speeches, individual videos or pictures of graduates and other surprises. We will make a decision in June about how we will give out the diplomas.”

“With this spring’s school closure due to COVID-19, it has been difficult on all students, but especially our seniors,” Tallon said. “We are saddened that your senior year is ending this way, but we cannot wait to see how you will overcome this adversity and thrive.”

He also said that life is often about overcoming challenges and making the most of opportunities. “This will certainly be one of those times for our graduating seniors. Think fondly of all the good memories and relationships that you have developed at Wasco High and remember that none of those can be taken from you. Although we are apart, we will get through this together.”

He mentioned that last week, students checked in their textbooks and dropped them off to a U-Haul. The district then sanitized them and returned them to the library.

[Wasco Independence High School completed its school year last week.]

Tallon said that there will not be a Winner’s Circle academic awards ceremony this year, and scholarship recipients will be announced at a future date.