PITTSBURGH — It’s that time of year again: High schools are getting ready for graduation.
Channel 11 reached out to several school districts across the area and a lot of them are doing something different for this year’s graduation ceremony.
Some schools are requiring masks while others are not. Some have restrictions while other schools are going back to traditional ceremonies before the pandemic.
Amy Terchick hopes graduation for her twin seniors at Pine Richland is as normal as possible.
“I think these kids deserve it. They had a really hard year,” Terchick explained.
However, we learned districts have different plans when it comes to this year’s graduation ceremonies.
Pine Richland’s senior graduation is outside at the stadium. Masks are optional, but for the first time, each student will be given tickets.
“We never had tickets before. I think eight is great. It’s a great amount,” she said.
Below is a breakdown of local high school graduations:
Butler Area School District’s outdoor commencement is June 4 at Art Bernardi Stadium. There’s no limit on guests and fully vaccinated people don’t need a mask.
Fox Chapel will require its seniors and guests to wear a mask even if vaccinated, because the June 6 ceremony is indoors again at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland. Each graduate will receive four tickets.
North Allegheny will require masks and social distancing at its commencement at Newman Stadium on June 11, but attendance is not limited. No tickets are required.
Senior graduation at Mars will be held in the high school parking lots on June 3, so more family members can attend instead of limiting people at the stadium. Each graduate’s family is assigned a parking spot.
Pittsburgh Public Schools plans to hold its ceremonies June 12-13 at the Petersen Events Center. Each graduate will have two tickets and masks are required.
North Hills and Seneca Valley are holding their ceremonies Friday night, May 28. Both are outdoors and everyone will be socially distanced. Masks aren’t required at Seneca but guests are limited. North Hills is allowing more guests, but those not vaccinated are asked to wear a mask, except for the seniors when six feet apart.