Rock Hill school district lays out graduation plans for class of 2020

Graduation caps BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Students throw their mortarboards in the air during their graduation photograph at the University of Birmingham degree congregations on July 14, 2009 in Birmingham, England. Over 5000 graduates will be donning their robes this week to collect their degrees from The University of Birmingham. A recent survey suggested that there are 48 graduates competing for every job. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

By WSOCTV.com News Staff

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The Rock Hill school district is going all out to celebrate its graduating seniors amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Rock Hill Schools will host in-person open-air graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 at district stadiums on June 5 and June 6.

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In order to keep everyone safe, all graduates will only be allowed two guests and all students, family members and employees attending graduation are expected to wear a face covering and respect social distancing guidelines.

“We are extremely pleased to provide our 2020 graduates with the graduation ceremony they have earned and so richly deserve,” Superintendent Dr. Bill Cook said. “I am grateful for the input we received from this year’s seniors and their parents, and for the ongoing dialogue with high school principals and student leaders that allowed us to identify and respond to the graduates’ most pressing priorities.

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Recognizing graduates’ desire to have friends and additional family celebrate this milestone, each ceremony will be streamed live and available on-demand on multiple outlets, including district and school websites and the Rock Hill Schools Facebook page.

Following the ceremonies, each graduation will be rebroadcast on the Comporium Channel 114 as well as CN2 starting June 15.

Graduates will also be honored with two billboards on Interstate 77, banners around the city, a light show in Fountain Park and a Knowledge Park Water Tower Light show.

Along with a city-wide round of applause following each ceremony.

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All guests attending graduation ceremonies will be required to respect the following guidelines and expectations:

  • Each graduate will receive two (2) tickets to limit the number of audience members. Tickets will be color coded and pre-assigned to designated parking areas and seating sections. Each guest will enter through the gate corresponding to the color code on his or her ticket.
  • Ushers will direct and assist seating guests to ensure social distancing guidelines are practiced. Family members are to be seated together unless otherwise requested.
  • All participants and guests must enter through designated gates.
  • All participants and guests are subject to metal detector screening and bag checks. To expedite entry into stadiums, participants and guests must adhere to the district’s clear bag policy.
  • All participants and guests must remain in assigned seats unless using the restroom facilities.
  • Programs will be delivered electronically to families and will be available on school websites prior to graduation day. Graduates and school staff are the only individuals who will receive a printed program.
  • Guests are not permitted to bring noise makers or signs into the stadium.
  • Graduates and families will not be allowed to congregate within district stadiums or on the property outside. Individuals without tickets will not be allowed to enter the stadium and school property prior to graduation or loiter outside the stadium to greet graduates after the ceremony.

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Additional health and safety considerations for each ceremony are:

  • All participants, including graduates, administrators, guests, or family members, who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as a temperature at or above 100.4, must not enter the stadium.
  • Any participants – including administrators, guests, or family members – who are in high-risk categories or who are sick should not enter the stadium.
  • Any graduate who may be concerned about participating in the ceremony should contact the school to make alternate plans to receive his or her diploma.
  • All participants – including graduates, administrators, and guests – must always remain at least six (6) feet apart.
  • All participants, including staff and students, should wear face coverings at all times, including entrance and exit from the stadium. Graduates will wear face coverings during the ceremony. Graduates may unmask while seated and while on stage to receive diplomas or have professional pictures taken.
  • Graduates will be presented diplomas by staff wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • All participants – including graduates, administrators, guests, or family members – must adhere to signage and other markings throughout the stadiums and seating areas. Markers or tape will be used to indicate the distance.
  • To comply with the social distancing recommendation, handshaking and hugs should not occur.
  • Hand sanitizer or hand washing stations will be available at all entrances and restrooms.

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