Class of 2020 Graduation details for A-P, D-NH

Published by editor on Wed, 06/10/2020 - 1:31pm

Ed Thomas Field in Parkersburg is illuminated as part of a #LightUpIA initiative in support of students with schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year's Aplington-Parkersburg graduation ceremony will be outside on Ed Thomas Field. (Screenshot captured from video captured by A-P Technology Director Kelly Eilderts)

By:

Jake Ryder

Eclipse News-Review

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional graduation ceremonies for Aplington-Parkersburg and Dike-New Hartford, but the Class of 2020 will get their graduation ceremonies soon, though it'll look different from previous years.

Aplington-Parkersburg's ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 19 at 8 p.m. outside on Ed Thomas Field. The commencement ceremony is not open to the public: each graduate will be allowed to have six guests attend graduation, and the only entry to the field will be through the main gate. Each family will sit in a pod of six to maintain social distancing. Persons in high-risk categories for COVID-19 are asked to stay home and watch the live stream on the Aplington-Parkersburg school district's website.

In the event of rain, the ceremony will move inside to the gym - four guests per graduate will be permitted to attend, while two other guests will have to watch the live stream in the auditorium. A decision will be made by Friday morning if weather will appear to be an issue.

Dike-New Hartford's graduation ceremony will be in the D-NH auditorium on Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m.; each graduate will be limited to four guests and the ceremony will be streamed on the Dike-New Hartford YouTube channel to allow families and community members to watch from home.