By Alfred Acenas
EBC Hawaii Bureau

HONOLULU, HAWAII (Eagle News) – Public high schools across the state announced on Thursday, April 30, the dates, times, and formats of their respective alternative graduation ceremonies. The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced last week that traditional ceremonies at public and charter schools would be replaced with alternative celebrations for the class of 2020 due to safety concerns and social distancing guidance during the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in the Aloha State.

“Determining the appropriate ways to honor our graduating class of 2020 has been one of the top priorities for my leadership team over the past several weeks,” Deputy Superintendent Phyllis Unebasami said. “While we are disappointed that traditional commencement ceremonies cannot be held due to COVID-19, the thoughtful innovation and care with which our schools and community partners have come together has been inspirational. Mahalo to all of the individuals and organizations who are continuing to work behind the scenes to make the 2020 graduation ceremonies truly special.”

Most high schools will hold virtual streaming ceremonies while some will also be broadcasted through local media outlets. After the ceremony proper, graduates and their families can pick up the diplomas at their respective schools by drive-through. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) officers or contract security will be in place to enforce social distancing and prohibit large gatherings on campus grounds.

Schools have started to share logistics details with parents and guardians. An overview of statewide commencement celebrations is available at http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/Class of 2020 graduation celebrations.aspx.

The list will continue to be updated on the HIDOE’s website as more details become available. For more information, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school directly.

(Eagle News Service)