Lawrence Schools Await Details On In-Person Graduation
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Lawrence Township Public School District is moving ahead with its plans for a virtual graduation ceremony on June 19, a district spokeswoman said Wednesday morning.
On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced New Jersey school districts will be permitted to hold outdoor graduation ceremonies with social distancing beginning July 6. Specific guidance would be released by the state Department of Education and the Secretary of Higher Education on Wednesday. Read more here: NJ To Allow Live Graduations Starting In July, Gov. Murphy Says
“Once the governor releases restrictions for what he will allow after July 6 and if we feel we can do something in addition to what is currently planned, we may,” Lawrence Township School District spokeswoman Lana Mueller said. “In any event, it will always be what is in the best interest of our students.”
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Seniors will still have the opportunity for a cap and gown photo opportunity on the high school football field, according to the school district. Each graduating senior may bring no more than two adults to take photographs of them as they walk across a decorated stage where Principal David Adam will be stationed to congratulate them. Professional photos will also be taken. Social distancing will be enforced during the event.
The virtual graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. on June 19 will honor all the school’s seniors. The ceremony will include student speakers, the principal’s address, student performances, individual names and photos of each senior, the presentation of the senior class by Lawrence Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ross Kasun and the conferral of diplomas by the Lawrence Township Board of Education President Kevin Van Hise.
The virtual graduation ceremony will be posted on the high school and school district websites and run on the school district’s cable channel.
Graduations have been in question since schools statewide were closed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in March. The issue became a little murkier after Murphy announced that students would not return to school this academic year.
"Our goal is to ensure our students are given the sendoffs they richly deserve," Murphy said. "We want them to celebrate and to be celebrated by their families friends and educators who helped get them there, but do so safely."
See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know
This article originally appeared on the Lawrenceville Patch
