From Spotsylvania County Schools:
In our continued effort to recognize the significant achievements of the Spotsylvania County
Public Schools (SCPS) graduating class of 2020, each of our high schools will be offering
seniors the opportunity to participate in an in-person graduation experience. These personalized
opportunities will be held in a controlled setting in which social distancing and other
recommended safety measures are practiced. Courtland, Chancellor, Massaponax, Riverbend
and Spotsylvania high schools will conduct these private graduation events for over 1,700
graduates during the weeks of May 18 – 29.
Graduates and their families will receive information from their high school principal outlining the
specific details relating to this in-person opportunity. Although these ceremonies cannot be open
to the public as per social distancing guidelines, each graduate will wear their cap and gown,
hear their name announced, walk across the stage, receive the diploma they have earned, turn
their tassel and have their photo taken. Graduates will also be able to include four immediate
family members to accompany them for their special moment.
To further commemorate these ceremonies, a video that includes the speeches and other
unique traditional aspects of each commencement exercise will be produced for our graduates.
As in the past, the graduation commencement videos will be posted on the school websites
throughout the summer. To further recognize their graduates, each high school will again honor
the class of 2020 during their homecoming football game in the fall. Principals will provide
additional details to students and families as the date approaches regarding this opportunity.
“Despite the unprecedented challenges, seniors and their families deserve the best we can
provide in honoring their monumental achievements. Their deep disappointment in having the
final months of a long journey cut short, is more than understandable. Yet, throughout the last
6-7 weeks, our graduates and families have demonstrated extraordinary patience and
resilience. I know that I speak for all of our leaders and school board members when I say that I am so proud of every Charger, Cougar, Panther, Bear, and Knight who has earned their diploma,” said Dr. Scott Baker, Spotsylvania County Public Schools Superintendent.
Due to the pandemic and guidance set forth by the Governor, it is not possible for Spotsylvania
County Public Schools to hold traditional commencement exercises. The Governor’s Order 55,
which is in effect through at least June 10, prohibits all public and private in-person gatherings
of more than 10 people whether they occur indoors or outdoors. While delaying and
rescheduling the ceremonies was considered, holding the events in the summer or fall also
presents a variety of challenges with no guarantee that we will be able to host large gatherings
at that time due to the phased approach that will be taken to reopen Virginia over an extended
period of time.
“Ideally, we were hoping that the scheduling of a traditional graduation ceremony might be
possible. Unfortunately, there still exists a high degree of uncertainty regarding when it might be
possible for a mass gathering to take place. As the safety and well-being of our students
remains the highest priority, we believe that the opportunity being provided allows for a
memorable experience in a secure environment,” shared Dr. Baker.
“I thank our high school principals for working together in collaboration with division leadership,
students, and parents. They care deeply for their students and are so excited to facilitate
graduation and other celebratory activities in the coming weeks. I sincerely appreciate how they
developed thoughtful and creative ways to honor each student,” continued Dr. Baker.
The modified plan for commencement ceremonies planned by Spotsylvania County Public
Schools will provide graduates an opportunity to celebrate this significant occasion in a safe way
and memorable manner.
