North Allegheny Unveils In-Person Senior Commencement Plan

McCANDLESS, PA - North Allegheny School District will send off its high school seniors with a host of events that tentatively includes an in-person commencement ceremony in July. All activities will follow local, state and national social distancing guidelines.

““We recognize how disappointing it is for our students, families, and friends who won’t have the opportunity to participate in traditional end-of-year programming,” superintendent Robert Scherrer said in a district release. “The hope is that these events will bring everyone together to show support for our seniors and still allow our students to engage in events that honor their efforts in achieving this important milestone.”

The in-person commencement is tentatively planned for July 17 at Newman Stadium. In the event that commencement plans are canceled due to state guidelines, a Class of 2020 Celebration and Reunion will occur during Homecoming 2020, Thanksgiving, or winter break.

Other events planned to celebrate the North Allegheny Class of 2020 include:

• May 4-29: NASD Loves Our Seniors – District staff member will share special messages for the seniors via through the school’s social media channels throughout the month. Additionally, families of seniors should expect to receive a yard sign and a flyer with a calendar of events delivered the week of May 4th.

• May 11-15: Senior Spirit Week – Members of the junior class planned a virtual spirit week for seniors. Students are encouraged to share photos or videos on social media using #NASeniorStripes. Daily themes include:

• Monday Memories (May 11): Post a picture of your favorite memory/activity at North Allegheny.
• Teacher Tuesday (May 12): Share an impactful moment that you shared with a teacher from North Allegheny.
• What’s Next Wednesday (May 13): Post a picture of your future plans (in uniform/college attire, etc).
• Throwback Thursday (May 14): Share a picture of yourself in elementary school.
• Friday Night Lights (May 15): Post a picture wearing North Allegheny colors.

• May 15: Seniors will be invited to a virtual dance party. Prom attire is encouraged.

• May 15: NASH Senior Light Up Night – Members of the North Allegheny community are encouraged to turn on their porch lights for 20 minutes beginning at 8:20 p.m. to honor the Class of 2020.

• May 20: Celebrate Our Seniors Parade – School officials and emergency services will parade through the community in vehicles. The parade route will be sent to families in advance.

• May 27: Senior Day of Service – Members of the senior class are planning an activity to give back to the community. Details will be announced.

• June 5: Virtual Senior Banquet – Top Scholars, scholarship award winners and senior superlatives will be announced. Details will be shared with seniors in the coming weeks.

• June 12: Virtual Student Celebration – The district will virtually recognize each graduating member of the Class of 2020. Details regarding the virtual celebration will be shared with students and families in the coming weeks.

• July 17: In-Person Commencement at Newman Stadium pending local, state, and national social distancing requirements.