On May 5, 2020, Chad Wyen (MRLS Superintendent) and Mrs. Simpson (Stebbins HS Principal) announced the decision to hold a modified ceremony for the 2020 Stebbins High School graduation. This decision is based on guidance from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine regarding 2020 high school graduations (1); this guidance is based on limiting mass gatherings to no more than 10 people. This decision will limit attendance to the graduating senior, and two family members. The ceremony will be held at Stebbins High School on the original graduation date of May 21, 2020.

We understand MRLS leadership holds the health of our students, family and friends a top priority. However, we are requesting the decision to hold a modified graduation ceremony be postponed.

MRLS currently has two dates identified as alternate graduation ceremony dates; June 24, 2020 and July 16, 2020. We are requesting the decision to hold a modified graduation ceremony be postponed until June 5, 2020 for a ceremony date of June 24, 2020. If a decision to hold a full ceremony cannot be made on June 5th, we request a decision be postponed until June 26, 2020 for a ceremony date of July 16, 2020. While we understand waiting may yield the same result, we believe the seniors of Stebbins High School have earned this consideration. While it may not be the easiest path, we believe this is the best option. There is no risk to postponing this decision. 

As the number of new positive COVID-19 cases in Ohio, and Montgomery County, continue to fall, pandemic related restrictions are being lifted. It is reasonable to expect the ban on mass gatherings will be lifted / relaxed in the near future. As restrictions are lifted, it is reasonable to expect the guidance for mass gatherings (to include graduation ceremonies) will be relaxed which may allow a full / traditional graduation ceremony. It is also important to note that of the 531,687 residents of Montgomery County, the county has reported only 302 positive cases (0.05%), only one new positive case since May 1st and no deaths due to COVID-19 since April 17, 2020. (2) (a/o May 5, 2020)

We (Mad River students/family/friends) are calling on the following MRLS leaders to reconsider / postpone this decision:

• MRLS Superintendent - Chad Wyen (Appointed by the Board)
• Board President - Scott Huddle (Term Exp: 12/31/2023)
• Board Member - Marilyn Steiner (Term Exp: 12/31/2021)
• Board Member - Julie Denning (Term Exp: 12/31/2023)
• Board Member -  Ruth Newhouse (Term Exp: 12/31/2021)
• Board Member - Cristina Pickle (Term Exp: 12/31/2021)
• Stebbins HS Principal - Mrs. Tina Simpson

(1) https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/general-resources/guidance-for-graduation-ceremonies

(2) https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/dashboards/overview