Graduation plans are up in the air, according to Ashland High School (AHS) officials, who are aiming to hold a ceremony on August 2.

“So much depends on where the state is with opening back up,” Kelley St. Coeur, AHS principal, said. “Based on the guidance from the Department of Education, we hope to hold something outside and in person. We will post plans on the AHS website once we have them, hopefully by July 19.”

Thirty-two students, out of 216, who could not wait until August 2 because they are entering the military, going out of state, or for other reasons received their diplomas on June 13 in the AHS gym.

The community has come together to do some special things for graduating seniors this year.

The class of 2020, led by the Ashland Police Department, paraded through town on June 11. Seniors in cars followed a route that took them through the center of town and by each Ashland public school, where teachers and residents cheered them on. The parade started and ended at the high school.

Earlier in May, Ashland residents Beth Murphy and Lisa Dwinnells erected throughout the downtown personalized lawn signs, with each student’s first name and photo. Beth’s son, Liam Murphy, graduated on June 3 and Lisa’s son, Ryan Dwinnells, is graduating, COVID-19 guidelines permitting, in August.

Beth and Lisa credited a number of volunteers for the project: “Marina Dintino was the superstar volunteer who spent many all-nighters organizing the photos. Melinda Moses designed the sign and was in charge of coordinating with the printer. Jeff Troutman was the photo consultant and volunteered to take pictures of anyone who needed one. Ruchi Shandilya led the fundraising effort by setting up the GoFundMe page. Yasmin Miranda, class of 2020, contacted all of her classmates and kept on them until they responded. She also collected photos as necessary. The Select Board was gracious enough to grant us permission to post on town property. Yolanda Greaves, from the board, met us downtown the day we put up the signs. Elyse Shuster and Betsy Emberley pitched in throughout the process as well.”

The coordinators agreed that the most exciting part was watching the support from the community as the donations started rolling in.

Beth said, “This is such a difficult time for everyone. Ashland has pulled together for these kids so many times. They supported our athletes this past fall when EEE prevented evening practices and games. Then they supported them when senior week/graduation plans fall apart. As parents, we are lucky to have such a welcoming and supportive community.”

Parade Photos/AHS teachers Mr. Wurster and Mr. Moshkovitz; Cliff Wilson; Lynnel Bienkowski

Lawn Sign Photos/courtesy Beth Murphy and Lisa Dwinnells