Swansea, SC – In a communication sent to parents, students, and the media released Thursday by Lexington County School District Four, the administration of the District said they are looking forward to providing the Swansea High School Class of 2020 a commencement ceremony. The graduating seniors will have the opportunity to receive their high school diplomas on Friday, June 5 at 8:00 a.m. The graduation is to be held in Doug Bennett Stadium at Swansea High School. The ceremony will be a return to a 65-year tradition of holding Commencement on the Swansea High campus.
In the same announcement, District leaders reminded those who will participate that in accordance with state guidelines issued because of the coronavirus pandemic, numerous additional rules will be implemented to keep students, families, and staff members healthy. They also said these guidelines will be strictly enforced.
The following is a list of the changes from normal procedures for a graduation. These were put in place to abide by the governor’s orders:
In line with what other districts are also doing, graduates will be limited to two tickets for immediate family members.
Doug Bennett Stadium will be set up to accommodate social distancing for the graduates and families in attendance.
Specific entry and exit procedures will be used to allow for social distancing.
Sanitation stations will be set up throughout the stadium and restrooms will be monitored to ensure proper capacity.
District officials request that families take group photos at home before or after the ceremony. All participants will always be required to maintain social distancing practices that have already been mandated in place in S.C. for some time now. This includes while participants are inside the stadium and in the stadium parking lot.
The ceremony will be live-streamed and recorded for those family members and friends unable to attend. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative ceremony plan will be enacted using the Lexington Four Fine Arts Center. This plan will require multiple ceremonies to ensure both social distancing and the ability of each graduate to maintain two family members in attendance.
Lexington Four’s spokesperson said the District is pleased to be able to honor the Swansea High School Class of 2020 with this graduation ceremony. The district also wants the ceremonies’ participants to know in advance that they appreciate everyone’s willingness to comply with the guidelines. They are in place to protect the well-being of all who attend.
In closing the communication, the District said that additional information will be provided to graduates and their families in the near future. Please also realize that plans may change in response to any directives from the Governor McMaster.
