Jefferson County Schools moving 2020 graduation to May 2021

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — After careful consideration, the Jefferson County Board of Education has voted to hold in-person graduation ceremonies in May of 2021.

A statement from the school system says Jefferson County staff held a series of virtual meetings with Jefferson and Washington High School seniors to discuss what they wanted.

“The overwhelming consensus was that walking across the stage during a formal celebration with friends and family in a traditional venue was their highest priority, even if it meant waiting. When reviewing options brought by the staff for holding graduations this summer, the Board felt that all of them would fall short of the expectations of seniors and their families.”

Jefferson County Schools statement

The Board also considered challenges of holding ceremonies at a smaller venue or with social distancing. Other factors include graduates’ transition to work, college or military service.

An exact date for the ceremonies has not been publicly confirmed.