Graduation Change/Update

Good afternoon,

It is with deep regret that I email you all today to announce the necessary change to our scheduled graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020. We had hoped to have a traditional ceremony for our graduates but Governor Pritzker’s current mandate and phased opening approach will not allow us the opportunity to do so this month on either June 6th or 27th. Although we will not be able to hold our traditional ceremony, we still intend to honor our graduates individually and collectively (virtually).

With said, we will utilize a walk-in graduation on Saturday, June 6, beginning at 9 am. All graduation awards will be announced during the virtual ceremony and delivered in June. Photos from each individual ceremony and video of graduation speeches will be used to develop a virtual ceremony similar to the 2020 Awards Night video that was produced this month.

Details:

• Please refer to the chart (below) to reference your arrival time.
• Please enter through Door #2 on Euclid Ave. This door is on the ground level and is ADA accessible. Entry through all other doors will not be permitted.
• Each graduate and six guests will be permitted in and make their way to the gym while utilizing the floor markings to maintain social distancing from other graduates/groups.
• Everyone will be required to wear a face mask upon entry. Graduates will be able to take off their face mask upon entry into the gym while picking up their diplomas and taking an individual photo. 
• As much as we would like to, there may be no person-to-person contact during the ceremony. Individuals may not hand students diplomas, or any other items, or shake graduates’ hands. 
• Guests will be allowed into the gym to video/photo the graduate picking up their diploma, moving their tassel, etc. 
• Upon completion of their individual photo by a staff member, graduates and guests will be asked to exit Prouty Gymnasium and the building through Door #3 (Flag Pole) in order to maintain social distancing.
• The traditional graduation paper program and individual student photos will be mailed to senior students and parents. 
• The graduation video/virtual ceremony will be developed and sent out by mid-June.

If you are unable to attend on June 6 due to Military or other commitments, please know that you will still be honored during the virtual ceremony. We will utilize either a photo you provide us with you in your cap/gown or your senior portrait we have on file. Diplomas will be mailed or dropped off at your house. Please email Elena Hilmes, elena.hilmes@phs-il.org, if you are unable to attend.