Horry County to Hold 'Virtual Graduation'; Parents and Students Petition Against It

Horry County parents and students petition to revoke the virtual graduation rites for the Class of 2020 after District Superintendent Dr. Rick Maxey's announcement on Wednesday night.

The announcement was based on the declaration of S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster earlier that day that schools in the state will remain closed for the rest of the 2019 to 2020 school year. 

For the Class of 2020: #BeTheLight

The Class of 2020 will be honored throughout May on websites and social media. #BeTheLight will be the first event on May 1 in which schools will turn on their stadium lights at 20:20 military time (8:20 p.m.) for 20 minutes. Citizens are also encouraged to join by turning on their porch lights. 

The virtual graduations and senior ceremonies will be pre-recorded and will be posted on each school's websites on the date and time of the ceremony's schedule. Principals will then share the specifics with the students in the coming days. 

Before the Graduation Rites

In line with this, Maxey said that senior course works must be completed and finalized by May 15. The district will gather materials, and students will be able to collect their personal belongings over the final two weeks of the scheduled school year that ends on June 3. The schools will inform parents and students about the dates that they will be assigned to do so while maintaining social distancing guidelines. 

Since Horry County Schools have nine different attendance areas, each with its high school, Maxey said that individual school officials would decide on what will be included in their graduations.

Horry County Schools spokesperson Lisa Bourcier said that district officials are still working to find out how these virtual graduations will look. So far, the district does not have further comments other than what Dr. Maxey has announced on Wednesday night. 

Parents and Teachers Petition Against the 'Virtual Graduation."

However, even with plans and suggestions regarding virtual graduations, students and parents still filed a petition for it to be revoked. 

Mary Katherine Todd has started this petition to Horry County schools saying that a better decision can be made. Todd also mentioned that virtual graduation holds no comparison and weight to the physical and traditional rite of honoring the Class of 2020. 

"Because it is only April, it is probable that physical graduation is held in July or August following social distancing guidelines, especially given that Governor McMaster has expressed efforts to open retail stores, etc. Whether it be on a football field or another outdoor setting, seniors deserve the opportunity to be recognized for their years of hard work and accomplishments," Todd also wrote on her petition. 

Horry County School Board Member David Cox said that a board meeting would be held on Monday night concerning the said issue. 

"I'm sure this will be a topic of discussion about the petitions and unfortunate circumstances of the graduates, and perhaps we can find an alternative that would be safe and satisfying somewhat to the parents and the graduates," Cox said. 

As of writing, there are 1,588 supporters of the petition at change.org.