Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the Bedford County high school senior class of 2020 graduation had to be postponed.

Recently the Bedford county school district announced on June 18th that they would be holding a non-traditional senior graduation ceremony for the three high schools in the county. This ceremony is planned to be a drive-in style which limits the number of family and friends you can invite. In addition we lose out on the opportunity to have a traditional graduation.

Only being allowed to bring one vehicle takes away from our big moment. We want to be able to invite all of our families and friends to watch us walk across the stage in celebration of graduating high school.

A couple points that BCPS probably did not take into account:

•Stated in the email sent from our school it was said that there was to be only one vehicle per family. What they did not take into account is divorced parents. How will that work?

•What happens when it is super hot outside and everyone has their car running to keep cool? We will not be able to hear the speaker or when our group is called.

This is something that we worked hard for the past 12 years of our lives. We deserve a proper graduation even if that means we have to wait a little while longer for it to happen.

We urge the administration to reconsider waiting until we can have a proper graduation.

Letter from Bedford County Public Schools:

Our Class of 2020 graduation ceremony will be on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at the Impact Church Outdoor Facility beside the Forest Volunteer Fire Department Station located on 1645 Thomas Jefferson Rd., Forest, Va. 24551.  

We have designated Saturday, July 11, 2020, as a rain date should inclement weather force us to reschedule all the ceremonies. If some of the graduations take place on June 27, 2020, and storms or rain move into the area during the day, we can move one or two ceremonies to the afternoon of June 28, 2020.  The Liberty HS ceremony will be at 8:00, the Staunton River HS ceremony will be at 11:00, and the Jefferson Forest HS ceremony will be at 2:00.  Parking for each event will begin 45 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.   

This will be a non-traditional, drive-in ceremony.  Due to limited parking and facility space, graduates are only allowed to bring one vehicle.  The graduate and their guests must be in the same vehicle. During the ceremony, students and their parents will be able to exit their cars and participate in two photo opportunities.   

During the ceremony, we will have traditional speeches and follow a format similar to a traditional ceremony.  All individuals will remain in their vehicles until it is their time to speak on the stage (previously arranged) or to receive their diploma cover.  Please note that this plan is based on the current phases and gathering limitations established by the Governor.  

If the Governor allows larger group gatherings, alternate plans have been developed.  Those plans will be communicated if this occurs and would include a ceremony at the individual schools for Liberty and Staunton River.  Jefferson Forest would still hold their ceremony at the Impact Church location. Principals will make a final decision on the type of ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, 2020, after the Governor’s state update. 

Email Sent from Jefferson Forest High School:

Dear Class of 2020 and Families,

We are excited to announce that our Class of 2020 graduation ceremony will be on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 2 PM at the Impact Church Outdoor Facility beside the Forest Volunteer Fire Department Station located on 1645 Thomas Jefferson Rd., Forest, Va. 24551.  We have designated Saturday, July 11, 2020 as a rain date should inclement weather force us to reschedule.  

This will be a non-traditional, drive-in ceremony.   Graduates may start arriving at 1:15.  Each graduate should come dressed in their cap and gown.  Only vehicles with graduates in graduation attire will be permitted on the graduation site.  Graduates are permitted to bring as many family members that they safely can accommodate in their family vehicles.  Due to limited parking and facility space, graduates are only allowed to bring one vehicle.  The graduate and their guests must be in the same vehicle. 

During the ceremony, we will have traditional speeches and follow a similar format.  All individuals should remain in their vehicles until it is either their time to either speak on the stage (previously arranged) or to receive their diploma cover.  It is critical that you review this entire document.  Due to time constraints and current restrictions from the Governor, the Class of 2020 social event and class picture will be held at a later date. Please note that this plan is based on the current phases established by the Governor.  Alternate plans have been developed in the event the Governor’s executive orders change to allow large-group gatherings.  Those plans will be communicated if this occurs.  

We are extremely excited to see you on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 2 PM We hope everyone is able to attend.

Graduation Protocol

Students will be grouped for diploma cover distribution by their last name.  
The master of ceremony will announce for all students based on the first letter of their last name to report to a designated location.  
All students and families should remain in their vehicles until the associated letter of their last name is called.
All families should adhere to the 6 feet social distancing protocol between other families.
Graduates and guests may wear masks if they choose to do so.
Families may walk with their graduates to the designated waiting area.
When the graduate’s name is called, the graduate will walk to receive the diploma cover.
Due to safety precautions, principals will place the diploma cover on a table.
The graduate will pick up the cover and pause for a photo. 
Families joining the graduate at that time can meet the graduate for a photo opportunity after receiving the cover.  
Principals will be wearing masks and gloves.
Photo opportunities will be provided during diploma cover distribution.
After the graduates receive the diploma cover, they and their family should go back inside their vehicle.
After all graduates receive their diploma cover and the class of 2020 is confirmed by the principal, all families should exit in a quick, orderly fashion to allow for the next BCPS high school to arrive for their ceremony.
 

Other Guidelines:

Motor homes, RVs, and pull-behind trailers are not allowed.
Pets are not allowed.
Any graduate who has not turned in their Chromebook, textbooks, or any outstanding school property will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.
This is a BCPS sponsored event. All rules and regulations still apply. 
There is no parking at the Forest Volunteer Fire Department facility.  Please follow directions for entering and exiting the ceremony site from the Bedford County Sheriff's Office.  
Porta-Johns will be available on a limited, as-needed basis.

Please sign and support our senior class of 2020!