MAYOR CALLS FOR 2020 WOONSOCKET HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY

May 23, 2020
Contact: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt
lbaldellihunt@woonsocketri.org; 401-767-9205

MAYOR CALLS FOR 2020 WOONSOCKET HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY

WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt today called for the Chair of the School Committee, Paul Bourget, and the Woonsocket School Department to double down on efforts to provide a meaningful graduation to the Woonsocket High School Class of 2020.

“With the easing of some social gathering restrictions, it is time for the Chairman to think creatively and promptly to allow our hardworking students and families to participate in a graduation ceremony,” Baldelli-Hunt said.

Pointing to other Rhode Island school districts that have proceeded with plans to offer students a memorable graduation, Baldelli-Hunt noted that she has heard from many parents and students who are disappointed but anxious to assist and help to make the 2020 graduation happen.

“The City has plenty of local talent and most importantly open expansive spaces like Barry Field which could serve as an appropriate and safe venue for a graduation ceremony,” she said. “This can and should happen, and if the leader of the school committee is not willing to take on this important task, then my office and team are ready and willing to do so,” Baldelli-noted.

Other Baldelli-Hunt suggestions include moving the graduation to a date in later July, splitting up the class  into groups of 100 to reduce crowds, live broadcasting using television, or even a drive-in venue.

“Over the last ten weeks, students and teachers have worked hard to continue learning remotely, and seniors have really missed out on important milestones like spring sports, prom, and class events. However, in honor of their willingness to move forward and complete their high school education, the School Department and City government, if necessary, must now show similar leadership and provide for a celebratory finish line as our students move on to the next stage of their lives,” she said.

“As a graduate of WHS and a parent of a former WHS student and graduate, I want to ensure that parents, teachers, and students get to experience a safe and memorable ceremony that may not be traditional as previous graduations, but one that is just as important,” she said.

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