MHS confirms 2020 graduation date, seeks contact info

Maricopa High School administration confirmed Tuesday that plans for a December graduation for its 2020 seniors would be postponed until late May.

Public health restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic canceled the tradition graduation ceremony in May 2020. A drive-thru diploma distribution was held instead.

In a letter sent Tuesday to those graduates and their families, MHS Principal Deana McNamee said the December graduation was planned as a celebration free of restrictions.

But COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing in Arizona and nationwide, prompting local and federal public health agencies to plead for limited gatherings during the holiday season.

“Based on the current health climate for the City of Maricopa and Pinal County, the team determined that a graduation ceremony with restrictions was not in alignment with the original intent to postpone,” McNamee wrote. “It is the goal of Maricopa High School to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of the Class of 2020 with their family and friends. Therefore, this event will be held Friday, May 28th, 2021. It is the hope of MHS that we are in a safer place as a community to celebrate the Class of 2020 with the grandeur they deserve.”

The high school is seeking current contact information for its 2020 graduates and their families to solicit input on the ceremony, share details about the event and determine how many would participate.

“We recognize the importance of a graduation ceremony for both students and families,” McNamee wrote in conclusion, “and look forward to honoring the accomplishments and contributions of the many deserving students who compose the Class of 2020.”

Contact information may be shared via Google Form by the student or by a family member on their behalf. For information, questions or suggestions, contact the high school office at 520-568-8100.