The Perry Community School District and school board are considering options to honor the 2020 graduating class with some sort of ceremony.
Restrictions on mass gatherings (more than 10 people in close proximity) are currently in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, eliminating any hope for a traditional graduation ceremony in the near future.
Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger sent out a survey regarding graduation to senior class members and their parents. Marburger reported that over 80 percent of respondents wanted some sort of ceremony.
He noted meeting with the student leadership of the Senior Class, and they also voiced their hope for a ceremony of some kind to be held.
School officials hope restrictions on mass gatherings will be lifted before the end of June, which would allow for a traditional graduation event. If restrictions have not been lifted before June 30 the district will hold a “drive-in movie” style graduation July 11.
If restrictions are removed, the district will move ahead with plans for graduation to be held as normal, with the public given at least a two week notice prior to the event.
Several area schools have chosen to offer a “drive-in” type of graduation and are still in the process of working out the details of just how such a ceremony would be held. Marburger said he will consult with school doing so to help Perry plan their own “drive-in” event in case that is the route which must be taken.
