Penn Hills High School graduation changed from traditional commencement to drive-thru

Penn Hills High School seniors will not be able to graduate in their traditional setting at the football field due to Allegheny County’s covid-19 safety restrictions.

County officials have limited outdoor gatherings to no more than 50 people through at least July 24.

Penn Hills’ graduation was set for Friday at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium. It’s been replaced by drive-thru stage events Thursday and Friday.

District officials broke the bad news to families via the district’s website.

“This decision was not made lightly and we understand the added disappointment that comes with this announcement,” the post read. “We have all experienced the struggle to balance the health and safety of our school community while keeping in mind the importance of offering senior students the chance to walk across the stage to receive their diploma. Therefore, we wanted to extend an opportunity to each member of the Class of 2020 to have that experience.”

Available drive-thru times are 3-7:45 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Friday.

Seniors can bring up to six family members at their scheduled time. Appointments can be made online via bookeo.com/grad2020.

Families should arrive using the Collins Drive entrance, and students should be in their caps and gowns.

Seniors are advised to stay in their car until a staffer greets them. That person will then escort the student and family into the gym.

Students will walk across the stage, receive their diplomas and have a photo opportunity when their names are called.

Tickets are not required. Families must leave after the photo and exit using Parkridge Drive.

Board President Erin Vecchio said she feels bad that a traditional graduation could not take place this year.

Graduation was rescheduled twice and could not be postponed again, as district officials need to finalize plans on how to operate the upcoming school year during the pandemic.

“It’s all we can do,” Vecchio said about the drive-thru events. “We have no choice in the matter. I feel terrible for the Class of 2020. They were dealt terrible cards, but I’d rather them be healthily than be ill. We’re trying to open up school, too.”

Administrators and board members are considering three options for the upcoming school year.

One would be to have students continue distance learning and not return to the school buildings.

Another would be a mix of in-person classes and online education during the off days. The third would be for all students to return to school.

Officials plan on making their selection on Wednesday, Aug. 5.