WYOMING COUNTY, WV – Wyoming County Schools Superintendent Deirdre Cline recently issued a letter to the graduates and families of the Class of 2020.  

The Wyoming County Board of Education, Central Office staff, high school administrators, faculty, staff, and senior class representatives of both Westside Hi Wyoming East High School have worked, collaboratively, to make sure the Class of 2020 is honored with the graduation ceremony they so richly deserve.

Due to the national health emergency, the ceremony may have to be modified somewhat to address health and safety guidelines. All aspects of our ceremonies will be subject to approval from the Wyoming County Health Department. However, the graduation ceremony will still be special and memorable. 

On Tuesday, April 21, 2020, a ZOOM conference meeting of the Wyoming County Graduation Task Force was held to discuss the graduation ceremony plans for the Class of 2020.

In attendance from both Westside High and Wyoming East High were Senior Class representatives, Student Council representatives, Senior Class Teacher Sponsors, Principals, Assistant Principals, and Central Office representatives. After this initial meeting, each school conducted individual school level meetings for the purpose of planning graduation ceremonies. 

After collaborations with teachers, students, and administrators, Wyoming County Schools submitted a draft graduation plan to the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), as did all counties.

After careful review of all the ideas submitted, the WVDE issued a Graduation Ceremony Guidance Document to County School Systems, on April 29, 2020. 

On Monday, May 4, 2020, our Graduation Task Force presented Wyoming County’s Graduation Plan to the Wyoming County Board of Education. The Board of Education approved the plan with a 5-0 vote. Below is a summary of the graduation plan: 
• Graduation Date(s): 

• Westside High School Friday, June 26, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Backup Date: June 28, 2020 
• Wyoming East High School Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Backup Date: June 28, 2020 
  • A face to face traditional graduation ceremony with modifications will be held on 
  the football field of each high school. 
  • All health and safety precautions deemed necessary, by the Wyoming County 
  Health Department, will be enacted. 
  • The Wyoming County Health Department will be consulted and all social distancing and square footage requirements will be followed. 
  • Graduation ceremony plans are subject to change based upon restrictions 
  imposed by Governor Jim Justice and/or the Wyoming County Health Department.
  Each graduate will be limited to four guests. The event is closed to the general public. Social distancing monitors and other security personnel will supervise adherence to expected safety protocols. The graduation plan of Wyoming County Schools will be disseminated through our Facebook, Twitter, App, SchoolMessenger, LiveGrades, letter from the Superintendent mailed to each graduate’s home address, and submission of articles to local newspapers and news media.
  Academic and scholarship awards will be distributed to students during the graduation ceremony. As each graduate’s name is called, a listing of their awards will be announced. Each ceremony will be live streamed so that families and friends can watch the ceremony in real time. Information will be forthcoming. 

Westside High School and Wyoming East High School will continue to plan for the graduation ceremony to be held at their respective schools. Thanks to all principals, faculty, staff, students, and community members who will be part of making this a special memory for the Class of 2020. 

Our Class of 2020 Graduates have achieved an important milestone in their lives. Everyone within Wyoming County Schools is very proud of you and your accomplishments. You have always been important to your school and the entire Wyoming County Schools’ family. Congratulations to all graduates, their families, and friends.
Best wishes for continued success and happiness throughout your lives. 

Sincerely yours, 
Deirdre A. Cline, Superintendent