The School District of Lancaster and WGAL-TV announced a partnership to broadcast McCaskey High School’s first-ever “virtual” commencement over the air on Saturday, June 13.
The 670 members of McCaskey’s class of 2020 will walk across a prepared stage and receive their diplomas individually over the span of five days at the end of May and early June. Due to social-distancing requirements, only two family members will be permitted to observe.
The district’s production team will edit the individual diploma walks together into one continuous feed to air as part of the commencement ceremonies on June 13. The district is working to provide as many live elements as possible for the broadcast, abiding by health and safety guidelines.
“While the pandemic has required us all to do many things differently, it doesn’t mean we can’t make things even more special for the class of 2020,” said WGAL 8 President & General Manager Kyle Grimes. “We couldn’t be prouder to partner with the School District of Lancaster to broadcast this first-of-its-kind commencement.”
The district will also stream the ceremony on Facebook, YouTube and UStream, its local school board channel.
“Combining the power of WGAL’s broadcast with our online platforms should ensure that all of our families, regardless of internet access, can view and celebrate this commencement with us,” SDoL superintendent Damaris Rau said. “We are very grateful to WGAL for providing this community service, and we look forward to showcasing our senior class to their huge audience.”