Bethlehem Academy Announces 2020 Commencement Week Plans
Faribault, MN (May 18, 2020) – Bethlehem Academy is pleased to announce Commencement Week plans for the Class of 2020. Traditional ceremonies, including the Mary Ceremony, Baccalaureate, and grades 6-12 Awards Program, will be presented virtually. Commencement will occur May 29 with a virtual ceremony at 7:00 pm followed by a parking lot diploma presentation and recessional.
“We thank our seniors and their families for their patience as we continue to plan our celebration of the Class of 2020 based on the guidelines issued by the Department of Education for graduations as well as the new ‘Stay Safe Minnesota’ order,” said Bethlehem Academy President/Principal Dr. Chuck Briscoe. “While it is unfortunate we cannot have the celebration we want, we are very proud of the Class of 2020 as they complete their high school education during these unprecedented times.”
Bethlehem Academy’s virtual programs will be presented on the school’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page. Although debuting as a live video, each ceremony will remain viewable on booth platforms after the initial program run.
“Covid-19 has brought a great deal of disruption to our world. People have lost jobs, livelihoods and loved ones to this disease,” added Briscoe. “We pray for all those impacted by this pandemic. We are likewise grateful for good health and the opportunity to recognize and congratulate the Class of 2020.”
Bethlehem Academy Commencement Week Schedule:
All virtual programs are viewable on Bethlehem Academy’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FaribaultBA) and YouTube channel (https://tinyurl.com/bethlehemacademy).
Mary Ceremony, May 20, 7:00 pm: A virtual program, the Mary Ceremony will debut on Facebook and YouTube Wednesday, May 20, at 7:00pm. In lieu of the traditional distribution of roses and daisies, seniors were given cards designed by Katherine Jasinski ’20 to send to those who have had an impact on their life.
Baccalaureate, May 27, 7:00 pm: The virtual Baccalaureate Mass will be livestreamed on Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00pm on YouTube.
Awards Program, May 28, 7:00pm: The virtual grade 6-12 awards program will debut on Thursday, May 28, at 7:00pm, on Facebook and YouTube and will feature senior and underclassmen scholarship and award presentations.
Commencement, May 29: A two-part program, the virtual Commencement ceremony will be presented at 7:00pm on Facebook and YouTube followed by a parking lot diploma presentation and short recessional at Bethlehem Academy. Each graduate will have one household-based car in a designated spot in the Bethlehem Academy parking lot. As each senior is announced, their car will move to the main entrance area to receive their diploma, exit onto Third Avenue, and return to parking lot from First Street. After all students receive their diploma, final congratulations will be given and cars will recess out of the parking lot going south on Third Avenue. The diploma presentation will air live on Power96. Listen live at https://power96radio.com/listen-live/
