ACPS Announces Graduation Ceremony Plans for the Class of 2020

By Amanda Roland
graduation ceremony

Due to COVID-19, graduation ceremonies all over the country have been canceled. To make sure Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) students get the celebration they deserve, ACPS just announced their graduation ceremony plans for the class of 2020 as they “cross the finish line” of their high school career.

From June 8-10, the Gainesville Raceway will open its open-air facility up to the district’s seven high schools for a “drive-thru” graduation ceremony, free of charge.

“To maintain social distancing, students and their families will drive into the Raceway and up to a decorated stage. As the graduates’ names are called out over the loudspeaker, they will get out of their cars, walk across the stage to accept their diplomas and have their photos taken,” according to an ACPS press release. “They will then get back in their cars and drive down a strip that runs next to the racetrack before exiting the facility.”

Look below to see when your school’s ceremony will take place:

June 8:

  • Newberry High School, 9-11 a.m.
  • Hawthorne High School, 2-3:30 p.m.
  • PAM@Loften High School, 6-7:30 p.m.

June 9:

  • Eastside High School, 9:30-noon
  • Buchholz High School, 5-7:30 p.m.

June 10:

  • Santa Fe High School, 9:30-noon
  • Gainesville High School, 5-7:30 p.m.

 

“When COVID-19 closed schools, I made it a priority to have some sort of in-person graduation ceremony for our seniors,” said Superintendent Karen Clarke. “This ‘hybrid’ approach gives graduates the opportunity to walk across the stage in their caps and gowns while still keeping everyone as safe as possible.”

Specific ceremony instructions will be sent to graduating students and families.

 

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