Foxborough High Plans Drive-Thru Graduation Ceremony

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The coronavirus pandemic has halted proms, graduations and other end of the year activities for graduating seniors across the United States.

Some schools have turned to virtual graduation ceremonies, and while a portion of Foxborough High School's commencement will be virtual, school officials announced a drive-thru plan to make sure seniors are still recognized in person.

School officials sent a letter home a letter to Foxborough High School seniors and their families outlining a two-part graduation ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., June 7.

The first part of the ceremony will be virtual. It consists of the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, awards and speeches, all of which will be pre-recorded. It will air on Foxboro Cable Access before the drive-thru graduation.

Part two will be in person and involves students meeting in vehicles outside Ahern Middle School. Police and fire officials will escort graduating seniors through town and end the procession at Foxborough High School.

When the students arrive, they will be directed to get out of their cars in small groups and head to the stage to receive their diplomas. Principal Diana Myers-Pachla in an announcement sent to students said family members are encouraged to take photos but cannot leave their cars.

“This should be a celebratory time in the lives of graduates and families," Myers-Pachla said. "Our goal is to do just that."

After picking up diplomas, students will head back to their family cars and leave the school.

School officials previously considered postponing the graduation ceremony to later in the summer, but this idea was discarded because some students who enlisted in the military or heading to college early wouldn't be able to participate.