CCSD to hold virtual and in-person graduation ceremonies for Class of 2020
May 11, 2020
Charleston County School District (CCSD) and high school principals are planning a two-step process to recognize 2020 graduates amid the health concerns related to COVID-19. The first will be on Monday, June 8 when each CCSD high school has scheduled a virtual pre-recorded graduation celebration via the internet. Each high school will have a virtual ceremony featuring each individual student’s photographs, commencement speeches and remarks, and other recognitions unique to the school. The virtual ceremonies will be available on Facebook and YouTube beginning on June 8 at 7:00 p.m., accessible from each high school’s website.
The second celebration will come sometime after June 8 as plans are being made to hold a live diploma-awarding ceremony for each high school as soon as it is safe to hold large group gatherings. That event will provide students the opportunity to walk across the stage and receive their diploma. Dates and details are not finalized, but they will likely use outdoor venues observing the social distancing guidelines in place on that date with expectations to safely include a limited number of guests for each graduate.
“We want to assure our seniors and their parents that appropriately recognizing our graduates is a top priority, as is the health and safety of all those who will be impacted by our decisions regarding graduation ceremonies,” said Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait. “We are working tirelessly on ways to hold graduation events that will be special, memorable, and safe.”
Following the June 8 virtual graduations, decisions will be finalized about holding live outdoor ceremonies for each school. As soon as those are final, high schools will contact graduates and parents with specifics.
About the Charleston County School District
Charleston County School District (CCSD), a nationally-accredited school district, is the second largest school system in South Carolina representing a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 87 schools and specialized programs. With approximately 6,100 employees district-wide, CCSD is the fourth largest employer in the region.
CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, charter, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), and Montessori schools, and is divided into three Learning Communities. Options include specialized programs in science, engineering and mathematics; liberal arts; music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military and other public service enterprises.
