Senior year has been memorable for the Bedford High School senior class, to say the least. Memorable for all of the things that didn’t happen, including school itself for many of the seniors.
But BHS Principal Heather Galante informed the School Committee at its meeting Tuesday that there are plans for actual senior events in the spring, culminating with traditional graduation on June 3 or 5.
Galante said the ceremony has been scheduled for Thursday, June 3, at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, which has hosted BHS commencement for several years. If the public health situation precludes a conventional graduation at Tsongas, Galante said, the event will take place on Sabourin Field Saturday, June 5. Either way, Galante said, “it will be celebratory.” She added that live streaming from an arena empty of parents is not an option.
The principal said she has been working with class officers and faculty advisors on other highlights that will be safe. A survey of seniors was returned by about 50 percent — Galante said that’s a significant response. So far the schedule features “senior plans night” on Zoom May 18; an outdoor double-feature, opening with a video about the class of 2021, at the new Revolution Hall in Lexington; and outdoor activities at Kimball Farm in Westford on May 22. The list of events is still in formation, the principal said. “We are still getting feedback from parents.”
She noted that graduation, as well as other events in Bedford, must be cleared by the Board of Health. That usually takes place through its agent, Health and Human Services Director Heidi Porter.
The seniors, Galante said, “are handling this with grace and class. Part of being a senior is having these special traditional celebrations. Kids really look forward to them. I can’t say enough about how the seniors have handled themselves and rolled with the punches.”
Mike Rosenberg can be reached at [email protected], or 781-983-1763
Loading ...
