Burrell High graduation to be held at a closed drive-in theater; other schools, drive-ins considering

Plans for high school graduation ceremonies at drive-ins are in works across the region, although there were initial conflicting signals from state officials if such public ceremonies are legal under covid-19 stay-in-place orders.

Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) turned down the Starlight Drive-In in Center Township, Butler County, to hold an Easter Service, while Easter services proceeded at the Riverside Drive-in Parks Township, Armstrong County.

More recently, the Burrell School District got backing from two state lawmakers, Sen. Jim Brewster, D-McKeesport and Rep. Bob Brooks, R-Murrysville, to hold their June 11 graduation ceremony at Riverside Drive-In.

On Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), confirmed to a Tribune- Review reporter that drive-in graduations are permitted, although drive-ins are not allowed to show movies as they are still considered to be nonessential businesses.

“A drive-in theater may host these events, but only if social distancing requirements are enforced to ensure the health and safety of attendees,” said Rachel Wrigley, DCED spokeswoman.

“These students have worked very hard since kindergarten with the goal to walk on the stage with their heads held high among their friends, family, and the community,” said Genia Koziarski, a Burrell school director and parent of a 2020 graduate. She developed the drive-in graduation proposal.

Koziarski envisions an intimate, yet socially distanced, graduation with a procession of cars and graduates on the scene in caps and gowns receiving diplomas on the big silver screen at the drive-in on June 11.

But Starlight, which also is receiving requests for high school graduation, is more tentative with hosting graduations.

“We are moving forward with plans in case we are given the go ahead,” said Beth Manson, who co-owns Starlight with her husband.

The Dependable Drive-In in Moon Township also has received inquiries from four high schools, according to owner Rick Glaus.

A number of high schools have been approaching the few remaining drive-ins — quirky and nostalgic relics that are, in fact, small businesses trying to hang on after the governor’s office deemed them as a nonessential business.

Drive-in operators argue they provide social distancing naturally.

“You’re in your own vehicle and not elbow-to-elbow with anybody you don’t live with like you would be in a stadium or theater,” said Emma Ross, who along with her partner, Todd Ament, own and manage Riverside.

Social distancing at Riverside is 20 feet between cars, more than three times greater than the CDC-required 6 feet.

Manson added, “Not one (inside) theaters, auditoriums, open air stadiums, arenas, and symphony and performing arts concert venues — even outside — are able to provide a drive-up, park, and drive out venue.”

“I have supported this creative idea from the beginning, and I am thrilled it will actually take place,” Brooks said of Burrell’s plans. His office worked on a confirmation on Friday that “DCED is on board, and everything is being planned with safety in mind.”

Brewster worked with state officials earlier to pave the way for the possibility of a drive-in graduation for Burrell.

After consulting officials in Harrisburg, Brewster didn’t think the one-time event required a waiver from the state for a number of reasons: A graduation ceremony is different as it occurs for just an hour or two on one day; and people are in automobiles.

“The actual benefit with a drive-in is that you can put everything up on the screen and be able to see fellow students but with no personal contact,” he said. “I think it’s an innovative way to graduate.”

In terms of future religious services at drive-ins, the DCED’s Wrigley said religious leaders are encouraged to find alternatives to in-person gatherings and to avoid endangering their congregants. “Individuals should not gather in large groups,” she said, adding, “the governor and secretary of Health urge Pennsylvanians to adhere to the state’s stay-at-home order at this time.”