Hingham High School Class of 2020 will celebrate with a live ceremony after all

​By Carol Meyer

Congratulations to the Hingham High School Class of 2020 for waiting patiently following the disappointing postponement of original graduation plans to allow time to find a way to have an in-person ceremony.

The long wait paid off, because on this coming Saturday, Aug. 1, at 5 p.m., the graduating class will celebrate with a live ceremony on the high school field, albeit it in a different way from the norm, due to COVID-19 requirements.

​The seniors will wear face masks and remain socially-distanced from one another throughout the event. There will be no tossing of caps at the end of the ceremony, and each senior may only invite two members of their immediate family to attend.
Despite the challenges, all those involved -- especially the students -- are excited to have their wish  for a live ceremony become a reality.

"Thank you for your patience in waiting for the details of this event, as we worked with local officials to make it as fun and memorable as possible," HHS Principal Rick Swanson wrote in a letter to seniors and their parents recently. "We can't wait to see all of our seniors on August 1!"

In accordance with state guidelines, the ceremony will be as brief as possible. The tradition of the graduates coming forward when their names are called to receive their diplomas will continue -- in a different format -- with the diplomas placed on a table rather than handed to them in person by a school official.

For those unable to be there in person due to the guest limit, Harbor Media and Hingham Public Schools will be collaborating in order to provide a live stream. The stream will be available on Harbor Media's Facebook page and on Hingham Public School's Youtube Channel so everyone who is interested may enjoy the ceremony.

"We're grateful for Harbor Media's partnership in memorializing all of our major senior events," Swanson said.

The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 2, at 5 p.m.