OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — Oil City High School Principal Scott Stahl has announced the district will conduct a virtual graduation this year.

The decision was announced in a Facebook post on Thursday evening.

According to Stahl, the final decision was made at a meeting held on Monday, May 12, to move forward with a virtual program that will consist of both Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies.

“A plan has been developed that will allow for students to receive their diplomas in a manner that meets all state safety guidelines as well as provides parents an opportunity to be a part of the event,” Stahl stated in the post.

The Baccalaureate ceremony will take place on June 4, at 6:00 p.m., and will be shared via the school’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/channel/UC3QFrRP6GfiB3P3909s7_DQ, as well as being aired by the local cable TV provider on channel 22.

The Commencement ceremony will take place on June 5, at 6:00 p.m. and will also be shared via the school’s YouTube page and on Channel 22.

Stahl noted that in an attempt to allow families to participate in this event, the school has scheduled Thursday afternoon, May 21, through Saturday, May 23, as filming times for seniors to receive their diplomas and families to take a few photos.

Seniors have been provided with information on the date and time that they have been assigned to report to the high school.

During these times, each of the seniors will be video recorded receiving their diploma. The video footage will then be edited together, along with speeches from the class of 2020 valedictorian and salutatorian, as well as a guest speaker, and performances from members of the Senior Choir.

The seniors will each be permitted to bring up to eight family members to watch their procession to the stage being filmed. The graduates and their family members are being asked to wear masks, but the seniors will be permitted to remove their masks when they walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.

“Please know that our Oil City Team has been working hard to try and provide a quality graduation for this deserving group of young adults. By providing a virtual program, we are doing our part in keeping our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and archiving ceremonies that the Class of 2020 will have access to forever. There is no doubt in our minds that this group of young men and women will go on to great things in the future due to being tested these past few months,” Stahl said.

“On behalf of the school board, our administration and the entire Oil City staff, we would like to congratulate the Class of 2020 on this milestone achievement. We are truly Oil City Proud, you are Oil City Strong, and we are always Oilers Together!”