New Bedford High School Calls Off Graduation Ceremony

There are mixed feelings this morning about New Bedford High School's decision to call off tentative plans for an August graduation ceremony for the class of 2020.

Phones all across the city rang yesterday, as a group automated phone call to students and parents delivered the disappointing news.

Good afternoon.  This is an important message for New Bedford High School graduates and their families.  Due to continued concerns around the pandemic, specifically the guidelines governing large crowds, New Bedford High School will not hold an in person graduation ceremony in August.  While graduates were certified at the conclusion of their virtual commencement ceremony on June 18th, the August event had been tentatively planned as an opportunity for graduates to gather together to receive their diplomas.  Class of 2020 diplomas and high school yearbooks will be distributed by appointment on August 4th, 5th and 6th at the high school.  Shortly, all graduates will receive a link from their guidance counselors to select a date and time.  When visiting the high school campus, please remember to follow CDC guidelines, wear a face covering and socially distance.  Stay safe, Class of 2020.  We look forward to seeing you.  – New Bedford High School

New Bedford High parent Marianne Farr was not happy.

"I can hardly believe that all surrounding cities...Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Bishop Stang...would find ways to have a graduation but yet (New Bedford) high school can't," she told Fun 107.

While the size of New Bedford High School's graduating class is significantly larger than high schools in surrounding towns, Farr wondered why the large size of Paul Walsh Field couldn't be used to appropriately space out graduates and families.

Meanwhile, Dr. David Rosman, the president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, is calling for the state to reverse course on the re-opening effort, wondering if the state should roll back to Phase 2. Rosman tweeted on Sunday night, "Last four days in #Massachusetts had #COVID19 new positive tests over 200. Last time that happened? Mid-June — on the way down. The data is early, but it looks like we are on the way back up. We should consider backing down a phase. #wearamask.”

Governor Baker responded by saying that the spike was not due to the policies that are in place, but rather due to people not following those policies.