After a long delay, it looks like seniors in Wareham High School’s class of 2020 will finally celebrate their graduation with an official ceremony on Friday, August 7. 

“The kids rolled the dice,” Principal Scott Palladino said. The seniors overwhelmingly chose to delay their graduation to August, knowing that there was still a potential that the ceremony would have to be done remotely. 

Earlier this spring, 80% of the seniors chose to delay their graduation in hopes of being able to have an in-person ceremony, rather than hold a virtual graduation in June. 

The graduation ceremony is now planned for Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. on the football field. 

Palladino said that if all goes according to plan, “it’s certainly going to be a great night.” 

However, some things will still be different due to the pandemic. 

Everyone must wear masks, and practice social distancing. 

Palladino explained that this year, graduates will sit on the bleachers during the graduation ceremony, while their families will watch from the football field. 

Each student will be allowed to invite up to eight family members. Relatives will sit together on the field, spaced apart from each other. They will also arrive and leave at staggered intervals to limit crowding. 

Students would normally take a photo with a faculty member after being handed their diploma, but this year, graduates will have to be photographed alone. 

Since musicians haven’t been able to practice together, the school band and chorus will not be performing live during the ceremony. 

While there won’t be a prom this year, students will be able to enjoy a Senior Cookout on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m., also on the football field.

There will be two rehearsals for graduating seniors. The first will be at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The second will be at 3 p.m. on Aug 6, immediately followed by the cookout. 

Seniors should arrive at the high school by 5:45 p.m. on the night of graduation. 

The rain date for the ceremony will be Saturday, Aug. 8 at the same time and place.