By Duane Good EDITOR MILLERSBURG
It’s now been three months since the COVID-19 pandemic began looming over every facet of American life like an uninvited, unwelcome guest. In the Sentinel area and beyond, all the signature events of high school senior year haven’t gone unaffected – commencement among them. School officials have made extra efforts to ensure that for the Class of 2020, graduation day remains a memorable event, though perhaps not in ways anyone could have imagined at the start of the school year. Millersburg’s plan took the form of a virtual ceremony, which premiered May 28, concurrent with arrangements made for seniors to receive their diplomas in person at the high school entrance. The complete ceremony is now online at mlbgsd.k12.pa.us, along with Senior Class Night and the induction of new National Honor Society members
. Pre-recorded messages, music The Class of 2020 is the 141st in Millersburg school history. It also is one of the smallest senior classes; 37 members earned diplomas. Of that group, almost half – 17 – are graduating with honors. The virtual ceremony was comprised of pre-recorded segments featuring comments from district Superintendent Thomas Haupt and Principal David Shover. The national anthem, alma mater and ‘‘Pomp and Circumstance’’ were featured as well, just as they would have been had the
SEE GRADUATION • PAGE A7
Photo Caption: Carly Johnston displays her diploma. She and other Millersburg Area High School seniors were awarded their diplomas in person May 28 at the school entrance. Seniors arrived individually, received diplomas and were photographed. (Photo courtesy of Colleen & Co.)