CHS principal announces grad plans for Class of 2020

Senator Walter Timilty (right) and Principal Derek Folan (left) deliver a lawn sign to CHS senior Robbie Gallery. (Photo courtesy of Senator Walter Timilty)

Recognizing the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and determined to give this year’s “amazing” class of seniors the send-off they deserve, Canton High School Principal Derek Folan has pledged to move forward with an adapted graduation ceremony on the weekend of June 5-7.

While there are still a number of details to be ironed out, Folan said the intent is to hold the ceremony on the original graduation date of Friday, June 5. He has also asked seniors and their families to reserve Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, as alternative dates for logistical or weather-related changes.

The tentative plan, as outlined by Folan in a May 7 letter, is to have the graduates gather in their vehicles at a designated location at a time to be determined.

“On campus, the graduation stage will be set up,” he explained. “In a coordinated manner, we will have your vehicle drive up to the stage. Our Class of 2020 senior — wearing the decorated cap, gown, tassel, and stole — will have their name announced, walk across the stage and receive the diploma — all within view of the family in the vehicle. The logistics of where vehicles will go after the diploma will be determined.”

Folan said the leadership team is considering “different strategies to share the opening remarks, speeches, and the music.” He noted that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is expected to provide additional guidance on the state’s initial reopening phase on or around May 18. “Thus, this plan is subject to change either way — with greater allowances or greater restrictions,” he said. “We are prepared to pivot as needed.”

Folan said he had heavily weighed the option of postponing the ceremony until July or August. However, with no guarantee that large gatherings would be permitted in those months, he concluded that it would be best to hold an “adapted ceremony in June rather than risk the possibility of not having one at all.”

“I’m hoping this June graduation ceremony — albeit adapted and different — provides some closure and special moments for all families,” he said. “We so deeply want to celebrate our seniors in a personal and safe manner.”

Folan said the decision on graduation was based on input from staff members, public safety officials, senior class officers and representatives, and the seniors themselves, who were asked in a survey to identify elements that were important to them. Among the common threads were a desire to be together as a community; to have the experience together at CHS; to wear a cap and gown and walk across the stage (in person); to see their teachers and visit the other schools in the district; and to “take pictures as a family and share special moments to commemorate the event.”

In that spirit, Folan said there will be events leading up to the graduation ceremony, including a family photo event at CHS, where seniors will be asked to wear their cap and gown; a senior parade, featuring stops around town and possibly other schools throughout the district; and the annual Scholarship & Scholastic Honors Night, which will be held virtually.

Folan also announced two alternative dates for Senior Prom: Thursday, July 16, and Tuesday, August 11. The event, if permitted to be held, would take place at Granite Links in Quincy. “We know this is an extremely important event, so we wanted to reserve some dates in the event that restrictions allow for this celebration,” said Folan.

Folan said information about other year-end celebrations will be forthcoming, adding, “We hope to add some other special experiences as well.”

One such experience took place last week as administrators and staff members assembled and then hand-delivered congratulatory lawn signs to each of the 250 members of the Class of 2020. Also participating in the sign distribution were state Senator Walter Timilty Jr., School Committee Chair Kristin Mirliani, and School Committee member Nichola Gallagher.

“We all enjoyed doing it,” said Folan. “It was great to see them in person. We miss them and it was a great first way to reconnect.”

Folan said planning for senior events and graduation has required a delicate balancing act but it has been well worth the effort. “Although this plan is not the traditional graduation, we are energized to commemorate our seniors, celebrate their great legacy, and preserve as many of our traditions as possible,” he said. “We will work hard to make this special.”

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