STEC: Governor’s Graduation Guidelines Fail Our Students, Parents
From the office of Assemblyman Dan Stec Republican candidate for NYS Senate
Drive-thru diplomas, virtual ceremonies are simply inadequate
The Governor and State Department of Health issued guidelines for graduation ceremonies today and Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) is pointing out that they are just not good enough for our students and school districts. The DOH is encouraging virtual ceremonies or drive-thru graduations, where a student’s family drives him or her up to a stage where they can receive their diploma and snap a quick photo.
Instead of concluding students’ high school careers on a rushed, superficial note, Stec is encouraging state officials to allow socially distanced ceremonies akin to the Air Force graduation this past April and the impending graduation at West Point. At these events, students walk in their processionals at an acceptable distance and sit six-feet apart for a full ceremony.
“Our students have worked so hard and sacrificed so much. They deserve more than the graduation ceremonies currently recommended by the Governor and Department of Health,” Stec said. “Virtual ceremonies, drive-thru diplomas and similar concepts are well-intentioned, but we can and ought to do better.
By the time graduation rolls around, most of the state should be in Phase 3 of reopening. We don’t have to settle for these options offered by the state,” he continued. “I urge the state to reconsider and instead outline a plan for ceremonies comparable to the one conducted by the U.S. Air Force. These cadets were able to have well-organized, safe, full graduation ceremonies. Our students deserve the same and I urge the Governor’s office to reconsider its guidelines.”
Posted: June 5th, 2020 under Education News, Heathcare News, Political News, State Legislator News.