PWC seniors, rejoice! The school board just announced that August graduation ceremonies are currently in the works.

Amid festive lawn signs and virtual shout-outs, a bit of normalcy is on its way for some of the region's students. After much deliberation, the Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Board has decided to allow modified graduation ceremonies for their high school seniors.

Courtesy of Patriot High School

As the entire nation has seen school years cut short, gone are the days of proms and crowded events in giant stadiums. The 2020 graduations will likely be held in smaller venues, with fewer tickets per student. The important thing is, the graduations will go on!

School officials have been tasked with working out all of the details, including plans for social distancing and ceremony logistics that will keep everyone safe in light of COVID-19. 

“It is important to all of the high school principals that we celebrate this important milestone for our students. We want our students to know that we are proud of them. We want to see their faces when they graduate, and it gives us a great opportunity to congratulate them, reflect on some great memories, create new memories, and wish them well.” — Katherine Meints, Principal of Brentsville District High School

For now, the tentative graduation dates will be August 4–7. Each high school will be announcing finalized plans for their ceremonies in the weeks to come. August 3 is the likely date for the Independence Nontraditional School graduation, and PACE West will graduate on August 19. Students should wait and watch for more details from their individual schools, including the process for ordering and receiving graduation regalia.

What are your thoughts on this new development? Will this be enough of a celebration for the graduates, or could this possibly cause more confusion as many prepare to go off to college? Sound off in the comments!