PITTSBURGH -- The North Hills School District has spoken with several state and county officials including the chief epidemiologist at the Allegheny County Health Department and everyone is in full support of the district’s plan to hold an in-person, socially-distant commencement at Martorelli Stadium on May 30.
The plan meets all current social distancing guidelines. All families will be at least 15 yards (45 feet) apart as they serpentine the field to the stage, and everyone will be wearing a mask.
"We are so grateful to have the support of our state and local officials, Ross and West View police departments and the Allegheny County Health Department, and we’re excited to make the best of this situation for our students and families,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino.
We know this is not ideal. We understand the frustration from our seniors who will not get to be with all of their classmates on the field with their family and friends in the stands, but we remain confident this is the best plan given the current circumstances.
While we are hopeful things will be back to normal soon, we do not anticipate the greenlight to hold our full-scale, regular graduation at Martorelli Stadium this summer.
If large gatherings are permitted again and social distancing guidelines are relaxed in August, we will plan something for the entire class but at this time, we would rather honor the class as best we can on May 30 and not wait and see.
We are thrilled to have come up with a safe way to recognize our graduates on the stage at Martorelli Stadium just as our graduates have been recognized for decades.
In addition, we would be happy to share the details of our plan with any school who has not yet finalized their graduation plan or is looking to do something in-person but not where sure to begin.
We’re all in this together, and we thank our students and families for their ongoing cooperation and support.
Seniors who are planning to attend the May 30 commencement must RSVP using this link no later than Wednesday, May 13.
All seniors will be given a red NH face mask when they pick up their cap and gown as instructed during the week of May 18. Pickup details will be shared next week.
Complete commencement details can be found here.