By James Hanlon
Leader Staff Writer
Oxford High School’s graduating class of 2020 will have to wait another month for commencement. The ceremony is scheduled for noon on June 30 at DTE Energy Music Theater in Clarkston.
“That’s the date, rain or shine, 40 degrees or 90 degrees, it’s June 30th,” Superintendent Tim Throne said at a virtual board of education meeting May 12.
What it will look like is still up in the air. “We still don’t know whether it’s going to be at DTE or not. We don’t know if we’ll be able to have more than just the graduates there.”
The district will do its best to put on some kind of in-person event, Throne assured.
“We heard loud and clear from our students as well as the families, that they really don’t want a virtual ceremony. Even if it’s more intimate, more closed, they wanted to physically have a ceremony and not have one virtually, so that is what we are going to try to pull off.”
Beyond that, Throne said they have to wait and see what other directions come down from the governor’s office and the county.
“Please be advised we have several contingency plans in place based on the health and safety regulations which could be in effect at that time,” a district announcement stated. “Viewing capacity will most likely be limited, and a change of venue may be in order by this date; however, we remain committed to providing the ‘walk across the stage’ moment, as well as including as many traditional elements to our ceremony as we can. We will continue to plan and adjust so that we can celebrate in a manner that is safe, honors the uniqueness of the times and, most importantly, the tremendous accomplishments of our graduates.”
Commencement had been scheduled for, tomorrow — May 21.