PA Distance seniors are making history this year with the first-ever virtual graduation ceremony. Typically an in-person event held in Harrisburg, PA each year, the PA Distance 2020 high school graduation ceremony will now be held online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the class of 2020 is disappointed that they are unable to gather in-person, while they move their tassels, it doesn’t mean the milestone can’t be uniquely commemorated. Behind the scenes, PA Distance teachers and staff are working to put on a graduation ceremony to remember. As a cyber school, PA Distance knows how to bring events to life using technology. Combining proven classroom teaching techniques with educational technologies is PA Distance’s specialty. Our teachers do amazing things every day in their virtual classrooms. To us, this year’s graduation ceremony will be no different.

“Even though we cannot award the diplomas in person this year, I am still equally as excited for our virtual Graduation Ceremony. Our Graduation Committee is working tirelessly to provide an exceptional virtual commencement ceremony, and it will be fantastic!” PA Distance High School Principal, Ms. Crooks, said.

On Saturday, June 6, 2020, at 2:00 PM, our seniors will be participating in a virtual ceremony, streamed live on YouTube, and hosted by PA Distance administrators and school board members. The live-stream event will be held in PA Distance’s new building, giving students and their families a “sneak peek” for where teachers and staff will work starting this coming school year.

During the ceremony, students, and their families, will hear from PA Distance CEO, Mrs. Rossetti, Ms. Crooks, and the commencement address will be given by past PA Distance graduate, Brett. The heart of the ceremony, like most, is the awarding of the diplomas. When a graduate’s name is read, they will be recognized on screen. PA Distance students and families will get an opportunity to share their pride and excitement live, on camera, too.

To add to the pomp and circumstance, Ms. Crooks will be distributing special awards, including the class valedictorian and salutatorian. Students will also be recognized for milestones like perfect attendance, honors, high honors, and those having earned all high school credits at PA Distance.

“Graduation is always my favorite day of every year! This is the one day where I can personally recognize students for their hard work and congratulate them on their success,” Ms. Crooks explained.

PA Distance congratulates the 60 students graduating this year and wish them the best in their future endeavors. We hope that the experiences, knowledge, and relationships nurtured within the virtual classrooms at PA Distance will take them to new heights and help to achieve their goals.

To celebrate the Class of 2020, PA Distance is excited to have the opportunity to air a condensed, 30-minute, version of our commencement ceremony on local public television stations across the state.

The program will be broadcasted, on the following channels, over the course of the next few weeks:

Pittsburgh Area:

22 The Point
Air Date: Wednesday 6/17/20
Time: 8pm-8:30pm

Johnstown Area:

THE CW
Air Date: Wednesday 6/17/20
Time: 12pm-12:30pm

WJAC / NBC Main Station
Air Date: Tuesday 6/23/20
Time Slot: 12pm-12:30pm

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area:

THE CW38 WSWB
Air Date: Thursday 6/18/20
Time: 7pm-7:30pm

Harrisburg Area:

THE CW Central PA
Air Date: Saturday 6/20/20
Time: 7pm-7:30pm