PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College has moved its Saturday commencement ceremony online because of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Clallam County, particularly in the 19-29 age group.
The drive-up event that was to take place on the Port Angeles campus was scrapped in favor of a socially distant alternative.
Clallam County has reported 21 new cases of COVID-19 since Saturday, bringing the total to 167, putting the county in the state’s high-risk category, with 93 cases per 100,000 population in a two-week period, college officials said Tuesday.
“This is a disappointing turn of events, but we feel we need to be leaders in this difficult time, and to encourage folks to do what’s necessary to get this pandemic under better control,” said Luke Robin, college president.
“Celebrating our students at commencement is hands-down the highlight of our year at PC. As much as we were looking forward to a modified drive-up ceremony, graduates’ safety and that of families and staff is paramount, so we’ve made the decision to err on the side of abundant caution.”
The virtual ceremony taking place at 1 p.m. Saturday will feature students and speakers as well as photos and videos. It will fete students who completed a certificate and/or degree in fall 2019, and winter, spring or summer 2020.
The ceremony will be livestreamed at nwacsportsnetwork.com/peninsula.
Diplomas will be mailed to students following the ceremony. 2020 graduates are also invited to walk at the in-person ceremony in 2021, conditions permitting.
