May 1, 2020 3:30 a.m.
Roseburg High School plans to celebrate the commencement of the Class of 2020 on June 6th with a virtual graduation ceremony followed by an in-vehicle parade on campus.
Principal Jill Weber said the goal is to make the commencement personal and special for seniors, as well as their families and community. Weber said “some wonderful ideas” are planned that she is certain will make each student feel honored and celebrated. Weber said “they deserve this milestone just as much as the graduates who came before them, and we will do everything we can do to make this possible”.
A release from RHS said the ceremony will be shown online at 11:00 a.m. June 6th. It will start with pre-recorded student and staff speeches broadcast from the RHS theater. Each graduate’s name will be read aloud and the ceremony will include graduates receiving diplomas from families and loved ones.
That afternoon the event will transition to a drive-through celebratory parade. Staff, while practicing social distancing guidelines, will line up around the school to greet and honor students and families as they drive through the campus. Weber said parade participation will be limited to students and families.
The release said this month, students and families will be contacted with details about the filming, how to collect caps and gowns, yard signs that honor graduates, and other items. The school will also provide details about how the public can access the virtual ceremony.
Weber said she and the staff “are so proud of our seniors for pulling together and persevering during these difficult times”. She said, “we wish nothing but the best for their futures and are grateful that we will be able to support them through this rite of passage”.