Pinellas Seniors To Have Graduation Ceremony After All

LARGO, FL — Pinellas County School heard high school seniors and their families loud and clear about preserving the tradition of in-person graduation ceremonies.

While a traditional ceremony is not possible due to the current safety restrictions under the coronavirus pandemic, the district is able to provide a modified version of the 2020 Pinellas County Schools graduation ceremonies by blending a unique in-person and virtual experience.

The district has worked with state and local medical professionals to create a ceremony that helps ensure the health and well-being of all participants.

The district will hold abbreviated live ceremonies at Spectrum Field the week of July 7. Each graduate can invite up to four guests to join them at the ceremony. Diplomas will be picked up after the ceremony using a drive-thru line at Clearwater High School, 540 S. Hercules Ave., Clearwater.

This model minimizes the risks for all and maximizes the personal experiences for the graduates and their families.

Spectrum Field Summer 2020 Graduation Ceremony Schedule

Note: Times have been changed for Countryside High School and Lakewood High School so they do not conflict with rush-hour traffic.

Note: Positive coronavirus test results by five Philadelphia Phillies players and three staff members during spring training at Spectrum Field earlier this month will have no impact on the graduation ceremonies. The school district said the Phillies are thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting Spectrum Field.

Tuesday, July 7

Tarpon Springs HS

7 to 9 a.m.

Pinellas Park HS

9:30 a.m. to noon

Countryside HS

4 to 6 p.m.

Osceola HS

7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 8

Seminole HS

7 to 9 a.m.

East Lake HS

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lakewood HS

4 to 5 p.m.

Clearwater HS

7 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 9

Boca Ciega HS

7 to 9 a.m.

St. Petersburg HS

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Northeast HS

4 to 6 p.m.

Palm Harbor HS

7 to 9:30 p.m.

Friday, July 10

Gibbs HS

7 to 9 a.m.

Largo HS

9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Dixie HS

4 to 6 p.m.

Dunedin HS

7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Pinellas County Schools has also finalized graduation schedules for these alternative schools.

Live Processional at Spectrum Field

• Each graduate will be allowed up to four guests to escort them onto the field, while maintaining a safe social distance from others.
• No seats will be provided. The event will be a walking ceremony, to ensure the safety of all in attendance.
• Guests will have the opportunity to take pictures of graduates on stage with their principal.
• Guests will reunite with graduates off stage and exit the field in an orderly fashion, maintaining a safe social distance.
• Families will be directed to Clearwater High School to pick up their graduate’s diploma immediately after the ceremony.
• Ceremonies may be rescheduled if there is severe weather.

Digital Access To Ceremonies

• Ceremonies will be streamed live and recorded so that friends and family can view them.
• Traditional portions of the ceremonies have been pre-recorded, including inspiring messages from principals and student leaders.
• Principals will share links to pre-recorded ceremonies, which will be available on the PCS YouTube Channel before the live ceremonies. Processional ceremony live-stream links will also be shared with families.

Health And Safety Guidelines

• Graduates and guests will be asked self-screening questions before participating in the ceremonies.
• Graduates and guests will be expected to keep a safe social distance from others and avoid handshaking and other forms of physical contact with others.
• Specially designed Class of 2020 masks will be provided for graduates.
• Guests will be expected to provide their own masks.