Franklin Regional sets potential dates for prom, graduation

Tonight students from Franklin Regional would have been at their prom.

But school district officials are hoping it can still happen, having set potential dates for a postponed prom and graduation ceremony.

“We want these things to happen for you guys,” said high school Principal Ron Suvak in an address to students and families on the district’s YouTube channel. “The best chance we have to do all of them is to follow the recommendations of the health professionals and keep home whenever possible.”

Suvak said the district has alternate dates set for several annual activities — and even has a backup plan for its backup plan — in case the coronavirus pandemic stay-at-home order continues into summer:

• Prom: June 18 or July 16;

• Annual Gateway Clipper cruise: June 24 or July 23;

• Graduation: June 26 or July 24.

“If we’re able to get back together from a health standpoint then,” Suvak said of commencement, “we’re gonna do the ceremony up like it’s never been done before.”

Suvak asked students to “do their best” with respect to the new form their education is taking.

“You’re stuck in a virtual learning environment in the midst of a global pandemic, but what you do have a choice in is how you complete the classwork you’re being given.”

The FR school on Monday night voted to institute a pass/fail grading policy to finish out the academic year, which was most of the way through its third quarter when schools were shut down in March.

Suvak apologized to seniors and asked them to serve as models for their peers.

“Your world was turned upside down, and I’m sorry for that,” he said, urging them to “take the lead in talking to your classmates about taking care of their responsibilities to their families, to their education and to each other.”

Never one to lack enthusiasm, Suvak also joked about some of the things he’s missing without school, including “pointing out obvious dress code violations. Specifically, if you’re wearing Penn State attire, go take it off, then come back and listen to the rest of the message.”

Below, watch Suvak’s full address: