Virtual Graduations In Point Pleasant Boro, Point Pleasant Beach

POINT PLEASANT – Both Point Pleasant Boro and Point Pleasant Beach schools say they are planning virtual graduations now that the Murphy administration has stopped live ceremonies for the time being.

Point Pleasant Boro Superintendent Vincent Smith wrote a letter to parents saying that it plans to emphasize that "high school graduation is a great milestone in our student’s lives" so the district is "planning to create a virtual graduation Ceremony so that each graduating senior is recognized and celebrated."

"I, along with the Point Pleasant Boro High School administration, have met and developed a plan to make the 2020 virtual commencement exercises memorable and personal for each high school senior," he said.

Point Pleasant Beach Superintendent Will Smith said his district "hoped to execute our responsible plan for a social distanced in-person June graduation."

"These directives from our state officials make clear we must move ahead with an alternative approach," he said in a letter to the district. "The administration has sought the assistance of a professional film production company to record a prerecorded ceremony that is worthy of our graduates and reflective of our tremendous pride in them."

Will Smith said the district believes a "high-caliber production that allows our community to collectively honor the Class of 2020 on June 18 (June 17th for grade 8) will feel celebratory and special. More details about the production, what will be asked of students and families during pre-production and how the production will be delivered to our community will be forthcoming."

Will Smith said the district is reserving an evening in June 2021 for the class of 2020 to revisit a ceremony "if it so chooses."

"Placing a date on our June 2021 calendar gives us a chance to distance ourselves from the immediate COVID-19 crisis, assemble a gathering on our graduation turf and offer all the students and families opportunities to attend," he said.

In Point Pleasant Boro, parents and students will receive a letter from Kurt Karcich, the principal of Point Pleasant Boro High School, outlining the schedules for the distribution of caps and gowns, as well as filming for the presentation of diplomas.

The virtual recognition will be available for all to view on the district website on Friday, June 19, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.

"Though I am certain that you and your child share our disappointment in these unfortunate circumstances preventing a traditional graduation ceremony, members of the Board of Education, administrators, faculty and staff are committed to creating a special celebration for you to enjoy with your child and families," Vincent Smith said.

Will Smith said his letter to Point Beach parents and graduates "will undoubtably bring additional disappointment to students in a year that has been filled with trials, the likes of which none of us could ever have predicted. We share in their disappointment that so many of your end-of-the-year celebrations cannot be held in a traditional manner," he said.

"But there remains much to be thankful for including our health, our families and the strong community supporting us," he said.