Beverly Wants A Traditional Graduation

BEVERLY, MA — As other area high schools consider postponements, virtual ceremonies and "socially distance" commencements, Beverly High School is still hoping to have a traditional graduation ceremony.

Principal Betty Taylor told the school committee Wednesday that members of the class of 2020 and their parents have signaled they do not want a virtual graduation. As a backup, Taylor is working on a plan where seniors would don their caps and gowns and receive their diplomas with their parents at the school.

"It won't be the same for so many reasons. The whole group won't all be together," Taylor said.

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Beverly's graduation is scheduled for June 7, but its unlikely the state will lift restrictions on group gatherings before then.

"We have an entire generation of kids that are having their milestones robbed from them right now," school committee member John Mullady said.

Other North Shore communities are struggling with graduation plans. Peabody is considering a socially-distanced commencement. The Danvers school committee will discuss graduation plans at its May 11 meeting. Salem is holding a virtual commencement while rescheduling in-person events, including prom, over the Thanksgiving weekend.

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Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).