Hamilton cancels in-person graduation, switches to virtual

Hamilton High School seniors picked up their caps and gowns Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Hamilton High School in Hamilton. The seniors and parents were greeted by signs drove through balloon arches as they picked up their graduation supplies in drive-thru fashion. Schools around the area are still trying to figure out how to make graduations ceremonies special for students while keeping with the social distancing guidelines. Hamilton has not announced their plans yet for graduation. NICK GRAHAM / STAFF

Hamilton High School seniors picked up their caps and gowns Thursday, April 30, 2020 at Hamilton High School in Hamilton. The seniors and parents were greeted by signs drove through balloon arches as they picked up their graduation supplies in drive-thru fashion. Schools around the area are still trying to figure out how to make graduations ceremonies special for students while keeping with the social distancing guidelines. Hamilton has not announced their plans yet for graduation. NICK GRAHAM / STAFF
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May 2, 2020
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Hamilton City Schools has canceled its high school graduation and scheduled a virtual commencement ceremony later this month, Superintendent Michael Holbrook wrote in a letter to families.

Due to the ban on all mass gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the original graduation ceremony at Millett Hall scheduled for May 19 has been canceled.

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Since large group gatherings of this type are prohibited at this time, Hamilton is planning to honor its seniors with a virtual commencement ceremony at 6:30 p.m. May 21, Holbrook wrote.

He wrote that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine may ease the restrictions on mass gatherings. If that happens, an in-person graduation ceremony may be held at 6:30 p.m. July 30 at the Hamilton High School’s Virgil M. Schwarm Stadium.

The in-person graduation ceremony is “unlikely” due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Holbrook wrote.

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“This is certainly not how we envisioned honoring our seniors, however, we are taking an approach that is flexible and balanced as we attempt to recognize our seniors and also ensure their safe exit to a bright future filled with multiple milestones and achievements,” he wrote.

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