Fort Worth ISD to host in-person graduation celebrations after backlash amid coronavirus
The Fort Worth school district announced it will host in-person graduation celebrations from June 23 to 26 after facing backlash for its plans for a virtual graduation.
The celebrations are voluntary and will take place at Farrington Field or Clark Stadium, the district’s two largest outdoor athletic venues. The in-person parties depend on public health conditions and will follow social distancing protocols, the district said in a press release.
Fort Worth ISD is hosting virtual graduations on June 20, in which 5,000 seniors will be able to join an online streaming event. The students can share a photo of themselves in a cap and gown and personalized video messages as they “move the tassel.”
Superintendent Kent P. Scribner met with 25 senior class presidents in an online conference call last week and agreed to add the option of in-person celebrations, which will have limited audience members.
“When I met with the student leaders via Zoom last week, I was impressed with their maturity and their understanding of the complex situation we all now face,” Scribner said in the press release. “Their commitment to doing the right thing for everyone was impressive.”
Graduating seniors will receive individual notices from their schools telling them when they can pick up their caps and gowns and other commencement regalia as well as instructions to participate in the online ceremony.
“We have always wanted to find a way to allow the Class of 2020 to celebrate their hard work and achievements,” Scribner said. “The virtual graduation will be the official ceremony; the commencement celebration, if conditions allow, will be a voluntary gathering that will give them an opportunity to enjoy seeing each other in person, and share their joy.”
