Bensalem Schools Weighing Graduation Options

BENSALEM, PA — Bensalem's schools superintendent said Wednesday that officials are working on ways to hold graduation ceremonies for Bensalem High School's Class of 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.

Samuel Lee, superintendent of the Bensalem School District, said no final decision has been made yet on whether to cancel an in-person commencement in favor of an online ceremony or something of the sort.

"While we cannot answer specific questions at this time, we are looking for answers and possibilities to appropriately celebrate and honor our 2020 senior class," Lee said in a letter to the school community. "We will continue to work with our senior class advisors, principals and students to create a safe, memorable, and respectful graduation ceremony."

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He said similar considerations are happening for BHS traditions like senior awards night, Night of Champions, Reflections, yearbook distribution and more.

"Understandably, there are logistics and safety concerns to consider for these ceremonies to come to fruition," Lee said. "I want to assure our school community that we will celebrate and honor our student achievements, accomplishments, and attainment and that efforts are ongoing related to this. While we continue to explore options, we respectfully request your patience and understanding as we work to formulate plans to advance these thoughts and plans."

Lee said that as the father of a graduating senior, "I understand the disappointment and sadness that this crisis has created for our students."

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, in a conference call with reporters Tuesday, addressed the issue of graduations, saying the ceremonies should follow social distancing guidelines.

Students will graduate, but how people celebrate the right of passage will be up to the districts in conjunction with the state's guidelines, he said.

"Whatever (the districts) do, they better recognize that social distancing is going to be important," Wolf said.

He said the ceremonies must be planned "with a clear understanding that people are very concerned about their health."

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