Lincoln High School will make alternative Class of 2020 graduation plans after deciding Tuesday to cancel its traditional in-person commencement in order to follow pandemic safety guidelines.
Lincoln High Principal Lee Thennes and Manitowoc Public Schools Superintendent Mark Holzman sent a letter to graduating seniors Tuesday saying, “We have held out hope for a traditional in-person graduation for the Class of 2020. But the health and safety of our school community of students, staff and families remain our number one priority.”
After consulting with county and state health officials on various options, MPSD and Lincoln made the difficult decision Tuesday to cancel an in-person commencement ceremony with its approximately 375 graduates and their families.
“Like many of you, we are disappointed and saddened that you will not have the opportunity to enjoy our historic commencement ceremony outside of our beautiful school,” the letter to seniors stated. “This was not a decision that was made lightly. We are all frustrated; however, it is important that we recognize the CDC, state and county graduation guidelines for large gatherings in public spaces.”
A graduation committee at Lincoln has spent the past couple months surveying students and consulting with health officials while pursuing different options. Lincoln’s graduation event will remain scheduled for July 18, with a rain date of July 19.
The graduation committee is working now on an alternative graduation format to celebrate the achievements of the 2020 Lincoln Ship graduates. The details of this event will be shared in the coming weeks.
MPSD has taken steps to honor its Class of 2020, such as spotlighting seniors on social media accounts, handing out graduate yard signs, recording a virtual ceremony for senior scholarships and awards night, and recognizing spring athletes with #BeTheLight events and tribute videos.
“We realize that these actions do not replace the historic face-to-face graduation ceremony; however, we want you to know how proud we are of your accomplishments,” said the letter from Thennes and Holzman. “We will do our best to create an alternative graduation event that also will celebrate and honor you in a year we will always remember.”
