Hawkeye Reporter

Owen J. Roberts High School issued the following announcement on April 21

Greetings:

As you know, Governor Wolf announced that all schools in Pennsylvania are closed for the remainder of the year, and the following direction was issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education:

“Schools may hold only virtual high school graduation and other traditional end-ofschool-year ceremonies during the COVID-19 closure. The safety and security of all students and the school community are a priority for the Commonwealth and all chief school administrators. Currently, restrictions on gatherings larger than 10 - people and aggressive social distancing recommendations are in place across the Commonwealth. When the Governor lifts closure restrictions, schools may consider the appropriateness of holding such gatherings.”

While we do not know when the county, state, and federal government will allow large groups of people to gather, we have planned to reschedule these events. As stated in our previous letter, our hope, much like yours, is that we will all be together, in the stadium, on June 5. However, if that is not possible, we have developed the following contingency plans:

If restrictions are not lifted prior to June 5, we hold a virtual graduation.

• Wednesday, June 3 - Caps and Gowns Distribution 

• Thursday, June 4 - Virtual Senior Award Ceremony 

• Friday, June 5 - Televised Virtual Graduation

Ceremony dates should restrictions be lifted after June 5:

• Wednesday, June 24 – Prom 

• Thursday, June 25

  • Senior Breakfast - 11:00 am 

  • Graduation Practice/Class Picture - 12:00 pm 

  • Yearbook Signing - 1:30 pm 

  • Lunch - 2:00 pm

  • Senior Awards 6:30 pm

• Friday, June 26 – Graduation at Wildcat Stadium - 6:30 pm

Ceremony dates should restrictions be lifted after June 24:

• Wednesday, July 8 – Prom 

• Thursday, July 9 - Senior Breakfast, Graduation Practice/Class Picture, Yearbook Signing, Lunch, Caps, and Senior Awards 

• Friday, July 10 – Graduation at Wildcat Stadium - 6:30 pm

Ceremony dates should restrictions be lifted after July 8:

• Wednesday, August 12 – Prom 

• Thursday, August 13 - Senior Breakfast, Graduation Practice/Class Picture, Yearbook Signing, Lunch, Caps, and Gowns Distribution 3:00, Senior Awards

• Friday, August 14 – Graduation at Wildcat Stadium - 6:30 pm

Over the next month, we will be working to refine the details of these events. We understand that these dates may conflict with other plans or college orientation programs. However, our goal is to attempt to accommodate the strong desire on the part of students and parents to hold graduation in Wildcat Stadium. Please understand, these events will only take place if the restrictions on gatherings larger than ten people and aggressive social distancing are lifted.

Know that you, the members of the Class of 2020, are in our hearts and minds during these uncertain times. We extend to you and your family best wishes for continued good health. Please stay safe and well and know that every member of the Class of 2020 will be celebrated.

Sincerely, 

Ken Napaver 

Sean Earley 

Caroline Slade 

Bill Richardson