V.I. Board of Education Calls on Dept. of Education to Reconsider Plans, Hold In-Person, Seated Graduation Events for High School Seniors

The V.I. Board of Education (VIBE) on Saturday "strongly" encouraged the V.I. Department of Education to reconsider its plans for public high school graduations across the territory, saying that it "recognizes the completion of high school as a milestone accomplishment for students, and the importance of celebrating this achievement of receiving a high school diploma." The board also commended students and parents on their advocacy efforts for a graduation experience that is safe and meaningfully celebrates the students’ perseverance after "four years of academic disruption due to hurricanes, unplanned school closures, and the coronavirus pandemic." According to the release, since March 9, the board has been requesting the plans for the 2021 graduation and promotional ceremonies from Dept. of Education Commissioner Racquel Berry-Benjamin. "The Board anticipated receipt of plans that adhered to Covid-19 safety guidelines to include virtual programs for a second year, smaller open-air/...