BELFAST — The administration and senior class advisors at Belfast Area High School have released plans for how the school will celebrate the Class of 2020 amid the pandemic. 

The school’s graduation events will commence the week of June 8 and will include all of the school’s traditional graduation events culminating with a special recognition ceremony and commencement ceremony June 13 at the Belfast Municipal Airport, according to a memo. 

The two June 13 ceremonies will be conducted in a drive-in format. Attendance at these events will be in vehicles, with presentations occurring in person within appropriate social distancing guidelines.

The recognition ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and will be a combination of athletic, academic, civic and scholarship presentations. Some of the traditional awards that would normally be shared at the final assembly will also be incorporated into this ceremony.  The recognition ceremony will be limited to just seniors, their immediate family and high school staff.

Later that day, at 7:30 p.m., the graduation ceremony will take place and will be able to accommodate at least 250 vehicles.

Each senior will receive two tickets for a total of two vehicles. Additional space for friends and the community is anticipated to be available. The final allowed capacity will be shared on the school’s website by the beginning of June once a full assessment of the site is completed with local law enforcement. 

The graduation ceremony will be projected on large 20 foot screens and audio will be transmitted to cars via radios. Seniors will be able to get out of their vehicles, a limited number at a time, to receive diplomas. 

Other important dates for seniors include diploma signings and senior material drop-off and cap and gown pickups June 9 (last names A-K) and June 10 (last names L-Z) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

BCOPE recognition will be held June 11 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Baccalaureate will be livestreamed June 11 at 7 p.m.