EDISON – With the likelihood of a virtual, remote celebration planned for the Class of 2020, the parents of Edison High School seniors have started a petition “Save EHS Class of 2020 Graduation!!” to delay the graduation celebration until July or August.
Schools Superintendent Bernard Bragen, in a weekly video to parents and students on April 28, announced graduation would occur in “some type of virtual or remote fashion.”
“We are taking direction from medical professionals and our government officials,” he said of the novel coronavirus pandemic. “At this point, they indicate we will remain closed indefinitely.”
Bragen said the Edison Township Public Schools’ administrative staff and the Edison Board of Education are planning the events.
“We want to honor our children and do all that we can,” he said. “Although in these difficult times it will be more of a virtual opportunity to recognize those students and staff members as opposed to being in person [in efforts to heed] social distancing requirements as well as to ensure the safety of our community.”
The Edison High School Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO), on behalf of parents of the graduation class, began a change.org petition to delay the idea of holding a virtual graduation and instead consider a later graduation celebration for “these hardworking Class of 2020 seniors” and give them “a celebration they deserve.”
“We understand there is a current stay-at-home order due to COVID-19 and we encourage everyone to stay safe, healthy during these times,” the petition states. “However, we are simply asking to consider delaying the graduation celebration to July or even August, if need be, so the graduating class of 2020 can enjoy a moment they have all worked so hard to have.”
As of April 30, the petition had 1,658 signatures with a goal to reach 2,500 signatures.
