Hawai‘i DOE: Alternative Graduations Planned in Lieu of Traditional Commencement

The Department of Education today announced that traditional commencement ceremonies at public and charter schools will be replaced with alternative celebrations for the class of 2020.

This is due to safety concerns and social distancing guidance amid response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Schools will honor their seniors through different models of celebrations, which will be announced next week.

“Graduation is considered a major milestone in any academic journey. In Hawaiʻi these celebrations are uniquely special with a long-standing tradition of families coming together to celebrate, giving towering amounts of lei, and enjoying each other’s company — something we are all missing during this time,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said.

“The Department has faced tough decisions throughout this unprecedented situation, especially around commencement ceremonies. We’ve looked for innovative solutions to support and celebrate our seniors who deserve this recognition.”