GOTHENBURG, Neb.-As several area schools have wrapped up graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020, Seniors at Gothenburg High School learned today that won't be happening for them.
Gothenburg Public Schools Secondary Principal Seth Ryker made the announcement that the upcoming graduation ceremony is canceled via a telephone call to students and families and via social media on Monday evening.
Ryker stated that the ceremony scheduled for Saturday, August 1 has been canceled upon the recommendation of "local health care officials" and "the regional department of public health."
In the statement, Ryker noted the increased number of cases in Gothenburg. Dawson County has been dubbed by many as one of Nebraska's hot spots for COVID-19 for a couple of months, in large part due to the Tyson meat processing plant in Lexington.
Two Rivers Public Health Department has reported at least 13 new cases of the virus in Dawson County since Saturday.
Graduating Seniors will be able to pick up their diplomas on either Tuesday, July 28 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm or Monday, August 3, also from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
From www.gothenburgswedes.org:
2020 Graduation Cancelled
The Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, August 1st has been cancelled. At the recommendation of both our local health care officials and our regional department of public health the decision has been made to cancel the Graduation Ceremony. This recommendation is directly tied to the current rate of infection within the community of Gothenburg. Graduates are asked to stop by the school to pick up diplomas on either Tuesday, July 28th or Monday, August 3rd between the hours of 8:00 and 4:00. Students wishing to take a picture can bring their cap and gown and have their picture taken. The picture along with a statement of congratulations will be shared on social media.
To the Class of 2020 we wish you good luck and we know that you will make us all proud.