Class of 2020 Celebrations

Dear Whittier Tech Class of 2020, 

Since we left Whittier on March 12th, this has not been the spring that any of us could have predicted. At this time of year, we are usually getting ready for the warm weather and counting the days to graduation. While closely monitoring recommendations from the CDC and federal and state authorities, it is clear that the “stay-at-home” orders that have been issued for most of the country and social distancing guidelines will be in place for some time to come. The health and well-being of the Whittier Tech community is our priority, and after consulting with our school committee, the administration, and senior advisor staff we have concluded that there is no safe and responsible way to conduct a customary in-person graduation ceremony on campus for 2020.  

We know many students and families will be disappointed by this news, but the health and safety of everyone involved must be our priority at this time. We will be holding a virtual graduation ceremony this May, and have tentatively scheduled an in-person ceremony for May 2021 pending the withdrawal of the current social distancing guidelines. 

It is all of our responsibility to do the very best we can to celebrate the Class of 2020. You deserve to be recognized for everything you have achieved over your high school career and we at Whittier Tech are so proud of you and your accomplishments.

Here is our plan to celebrate the Class of 2020: 

  • There will be a virtual Senior Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at 6:00 PM. During this ceremony, Departmental Awards will be announced. A video presentation will be presented on our YouTube Channel, and a link will be posted in advance for all to watch. Award recipients will receive their plaque in their Graduation Box (noted below.)

  • Seniors will be given a special “Graduation Box” that will include their yearbook, cap and gown, as well as other important graduation documents. Students should come to Whittier Tech from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm using the following schedule:   

  • Friday, May 22nd - Last Names: A - E

  • Tuesday, May 26th - Last Names: F - M

  • Wednesday, May 27th - Last Names: N - Z

*Students must return iPads, school books, uniforms, fundraiser money and any other school materials to pick up their Graduation Box. In addition, all students need to complete their senior survey/sign out form that was emailed to them. 

**Students, parents, and guardians are reminded that they will be required to maintain appropriate social distancing at all times when they are on school grounds. 

  • Graduation will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 6:00 pm. This ceremony will also be conducted virtually via our YouTube Channel, and a link will be posted in advance for all to watch. More details will be communicated at a later date.

  • Please take pictures of students in their graduation cap and gown with their diploma and send them to grad2020@whittiertech.org. We will do a photo montage of our seniors and their families titled “Graduation Day” and make it available to all families. All pictures are due by the end of the day June 5, 2020. 

      Below are future plans to traditionally honor the Class of 2020:

  • We will be having a Class of 2020 Social on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. This Social will be a time for students, teachers, and staff to celebrate the Class of 2020.

  • On Friday, May 28, 2021, the class of 2020 will be honored with a Graduation Ceremony on the Whittier Tech Field in front of their families and friends! We look forward to celebrating with the Class of 2020 on-campus, taking pictures, and honoring their accomplishments.

* Both of these events have been planned with the assumption that the current social distancing guidelines will no longer be in effect. 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation; we at Whittier Tech are excited to celebrate the Class of 2020 both this spring and in person, once possible.

Sincerely,

Chris Laganas

Principal

Whittier Tech