Plymouth HS seniors hesitant about ‘socially distant’ summer graduation ceremony

BOSTON — Jada Thompson came by Plymouth North High School to take pictures with her friend and fellow senior Rylee Muscato. But the two seniors hope to take more pictures at their graduation.

“I want to take pics with my friends so I can experience a real graduation," said Thompson.

News that Plymouth’s Superintendent of Schools will hold graduation on June 6th albeit, a socially distant one, wasn’t a hit with the friends.

“I like the thought of having a graduation rather than not, but I would really prefer not to have a socially distancing one,” said Thompson.

That reaction came after a letter was sent out by Plymouth’s Superintendent Gary Maestas. In part, it reads:

“…We are planning a graduation ceremony that will occur on the original graduation date of June 6th. The graduation will take place with all the appropriate social distancing protocols that exist today.”

Maestas would not speak to Boston 25 about details - none of which were in his letter, which has some parents frustrated.

“I was really surprised by the fact he announced this was the plan but details would come later," said Christine Dias.

Her son, Andrew Dias, also thinks June is too soon.

“I think that kind of defeats the purpose especially, if you’re trying to be together with all your friends one last time," said Andrew.

In his letter, Maestas did say permits and approvals are being reviewed by the state. We asked Gov. Charlie Baker about the June 6th graduation idea. His response puts it in question.

“But I would certainly hope Plymouth would wait until a bunch of folks who know what they’re talking about can help them think about how to do this in a way that’s safe," said Maestas.

And while nothing is definitive Plymouth’s Superintendent tells Boston 25 that any final information about the graduation would first go out to graduates and their families.

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