By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Tuesday, DeKalb County Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett announced the graduation schedule for seniors, which were previously canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graduations will be held beginning on July 16 through July 25 for each school and will include awards night ceremonies. All dates are subject to change based on new health guidelines and regulations. All ceremonies will take place at the DeKalb County School Coliseum at 6 p.m. and they will be live-streamed.
The schedule will go as stated:
- Geraldine High School — July 16, 2020
- Sylvania High School — July 17, 2020
- Collinsville High School — July 18, 2020
- Fyffe High School — July 20, 2020
- Valley Head High School — July 21, 2020
- Ider High School — July 23, 2020
- Plainview High School — July 24, 2020
- Crossville High School — July 25, 2020
"It is my hope and prayer that this announcement brings some joy and hope to the graduating class of 2020, who have endured many hardships and uncertainties during their senior year of high school," Barnett stated in a letter. "Our seniors deserve it, and I said we would work to make it happen."
Each graduate will be allowed four tickets for their attending guests to ensure the maximum number of participants for a large gathering is not exceeded. Seating inside the Coliseum will adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Prior to the announcement, Barnett and the Board of Education had said they intended to make graduations happen, but didn't know in what capacity.
