MURPHY, N.C. – Murphy High School (MHS) Principal Jason Forrister released details for 2020 graduation, which include a socially distanced ceremony, video, and May 29 parade.

“Suffice to say, the conclusion of this senior year has been unfamiliar and unexpected. The administration, faculty, and staff have missed seeing you in the classrooms, watching you play your senior seasons, enjoying prom, and participating in many of the other parts of senior year. We know these missed events have weighed heavily on you, as they have on us. With the time of graduation approaching, we do not want this season to pass without doing our best to offer you a timely, inclusive, meaningful, and memorable celebration of your successes and your transition to your new beginning,” wrote Forrister in his letter to MHS seniors.

This year, MHS will graduate 128 seniors, and the senior sponsors, Asst. Principal Wend Leatherwood, and Forrister tirelessly researched the best way to hold ceremonies during the pandemic. The plan they created is approved by the health department and similar to other schools’ graduation plans in the area.

To begin, seniors and up to seven guests will be scheduled to attend a socially distance ceremony; here they will accept diplomas and turn tassels. A videographer and photographer will be on hand to document the entire experience.

Part one of the graduation letter.

Faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to wear face coverings and socially distance of up to six feet during this ceremony.  The families and guests will watch their student participate in the ceremony from the designated viewing area. Once their student is finished with the ceremony, a family photography area will be available. However, graduates and families can’t congregate with other graduates. Once finished with their photographs, they must leave the premise.

The videographer will edit all the footage together, including commencement speakers into one video that will be released on May 29.

On May 29 at 7 p.m., MHS will hold a parade for the 2020 seniors. The route will run from Save-a-Lot, behind Murphy Middle to the high school.

Graduates are encouraged to decorate their cars and wear cap and gowns. They are limited to one car per graduate, and everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout the entire event.

Forrister added that a traditional ceremony isn’t out of the question, but no one knows what the social mandates for N.C. will be throughout the summer. MHS wanted its seniors an opportunity to participate in this right of passage.

Images courtesy of Murphy High School Facebook.

Part two of the graduation letter.