The St. Landry Parish School System announced Tuesday that it has rescheduled high school graduations ceremonies to take place June 19 and 20.
“These dates are subject to change due to social distancing guidelines and the governor’s orders. Locations and times of graduations will be announced at a later date,” the announcement stated.
The decision to have traditional in-person ceremonies is contingent upon the orders of federal, state, and local governmental entities, it stated.
“Although the dates have been tentatively scheduled, please note that we continue to plan for the possibility of a virtual graduation option and other creative methods to celebrate our seniors due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 safety precautions.
“This is a very difficult situation with which we intend to handle with extreme sensitivity and consideration for the seniors of the graduating class of 2020,” the announce stated.
Superintendent Patrick Jenkins stated, “We know that our seniors, their family, and friends were
looking forward to the events that are the culmination of their academic, extra-curricular, and athletic high school experience; awards day, prom, yearbook signings, senior parties, and many more special moments that are cherished events for seniors and their families.
“The SLPSS Board members and I share in their disappointment and sense of loss due to this health crisis. While we have never experienced what they are going through, we empathize and sympathize with each of them.
“SLPSS and schools remain committed to ensuring the safety of our students but want our seniors to know that we will do everything possible to hold in-person ceremonies. They deserve to be celebrated and recognized alongside their classmates and family members for the hard work and accomplishments they’ve achieved. They earned the right to walk with pride with their classmates and to have a traditional graduation ceremony. We also understand that our students need closure and want the opportunity to say goodbye to their friends and the schools they have called home for the last four years. It is our hope that this can be done,” Jenkins stated.
In instances where students need their diploma prior to graduation for college admission or military service, they can contact their school administrator or guidance counselor for assistance, the announcement stated.