Whitehall-Coplay School District held its 116th commencement ceremony virtually June 4, due to restrictions put in place by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, in order to combat COVID-19. The hope was that an in-person graduation would be possible later in the summer.

When it appeared conditions across the state might allow an in-person event to occur, WCSD administration and Whitehall High School Principal Nathan Davidson set a tentative date of Aug. 3 for the ceremony to be held at the PPL Center in Allentown.

However, in an email Davidson sent to parents of WHS seniors July 6, this has been canceled, “due to the ongoing restrictions set forth by the governor.”

Though Lehigh County entered the green phase June 26, there hasn’t been information released as to what will happen next. While the green phase is less restrictive, gatherings of more than 250 people continue to be prohibited, and masks must now be worn whenever residents leave their homes.

“Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach,” Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “However, the virus has not gone away, and we are seeing cases rise, especially in southwest Pennsylvania.”

In order to ensure seniors were able to have a graduation experience, WCSD held the virtual ceremony on the date of what would have been the regular commencement, though Davidson was “cautiously optimistic” the traditional ceremony would happen during the summer.

According to Davidson, WCSD came to the decision in collaboration with the PPL Center. It was reported other districts that scheduled graduation at the PPL Center have had to cancel as well.

WHS’ in-person graduation would have followed the same format as the virtual ceremony, but the seniors would have had the opportunity to wear their caps and gowns, walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and say farewell to classmates.

Diplomas and senior yearbooks will be distributed July 16 and 17 in a staggered fashion to ensure safety regulations are met. The dates and times correspond with the last name of the student.

On July 16, students with a last name beginning with A-C are scheduled for 9-11 a.m.; D-G are 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; and H-K are 1-3 p.m.

On July 17, students with a last name beginning with L-N are scheduled for 9-11 a.m.; O-R are 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; and S-Z are 1-3 p.m.

There will be extended time 3-3:30 p.m. both days for those students or families unable to come at their assigned time.

Diplomas that have not been picked up by July 17 will be sent to the home address listed on PowerSchool July 20.