EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Just a few weeks ago, local high school seniors were bracing to miss out on a traditional graduation ceremony, a milestone many have counted on throughout their school years.

Having missed out on prom, award banquets and other events due to the coronavirus, many expected graduations to take place virtually or through other non-traditional approaches.

But, with Governor Eric Holcomb continuing to loosen COVID-19 restrictions during Indiana's phased reopening, area schools have announced plans for commencement ceremonies later this summer.

EVSC

During Tuesday's school board meeting, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation officials approved a set of dates for high school commencement programs in July.

It is yet to be determined whether spectators will be allowed at these commencements amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic; that will depend on health conditions and precautions determined to be needed at the time.

Dates set for the ceremonies are Thursday, July 9 (Bosse and New Tech at 7 p.m.; Harrison and Reitz at 8 p.m.); and Thursday, July 16 (Academy for Innovative Studies and Central at 7 p.m.; Harwood Prep and North at 8 p.m.).

Graduates were contacted Wednesday about how to pick up their diplomas and return any EVSC-owned property (such as Chromebooks) to the school.

Signature School

Signature School plans to hold a graduation ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on July 17. After administering a survey to parents, students and faculty, the school decided a live graduation would be done in accordance with health guidelines.

Principal Jean Hitchcock said the program will take place inside Evansville's Victory Theatre, a nearly 2,000 seat venue. Hitchcock said the charter school will live stream and record the ceremony while directing students and family members to social distance.

For those who prefer not to take part in person, students will be honored by a slide showing their picture and a list of their accomplishments.

Evansville Catholic Diocese

While Mater Dei held a virtual commencement ceremony that previously aired on WNIN-TV, the Catholic Diocese of Evansville has set a number of commencement dates in July.

At this time, Director of Communications Tim Lilley said Reitz Memorial has scheduled its program on July 10 at 6 p.m. outside Reitz Memorial campus. Vincennes Rivet High School has scheduled its commencement on June 12, at 5:30 p.m. EDT, on the grounds of the George Rogers Clark Memorial in Vincennes.

Lilley said Washington Catholic has also set a date for the ceremony, with the event planned for July 24, at 7:30 p.m. EDT. The program will take place either at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church or in the high school building, he said.

Warrick County School Corp.

Even after holding virtual ceremony exercises for all three high schools, which are set to air on WEHT May 30, Warrick County School Corp. officials are looking to schedule live ceremonies in late July, if possible.

"If conditions allow for large groups to meet later this summer, we will hold commencement exercises for those who want to participate in the summer," Superintendent Brad Schneider said.

For the virtual commencement exercises, students were recorded walking across the stage and receiving their diplomas. All the speeches from school principals, students and other faculty members will also be aired on the TV program.

Schneider said if ceremonies aren't scheduled before early August, there will not be a live commencement.

North Posey

North Posey High School Principal Scott Strieter said the school is currently looking at two options. While a commencement date has been set for July 17 at 7 p.m., the school hasn't had an outdoor ceremony since 1970.

Strieter said NPHS is looking to hold the program inside a gymnasium like in years past or may explore an outside venue for the first time in nearly 50 years. And, depending on CDC guidelines during that time, he said, the school may give out limited tickets to families.

If NPHS is unable to hold a physical ceremony, Streiter said the school will have to "move on from the 2020 class." Instead, school officials will schedule a virtual ceremony to give students the opportunity to focus on transitioning into college or a military service program.

East Gibson

Depending on Gov. Holcomb's direction, East Gibson School Corp. officials have set July 11 as the potential date for a live commencement ceremony. As an alternative, Superintendent Mike Brewster said the district is looking to have a celebratory parade on the same date.

The parade would feature a small stage on Wood Memorial High School's campus, where students could receive their diplomas.

Mount Vernon, Ind.

The Metropolitan School District of Mount Vernon will hold a ceremony on July 18 at 10 a.m. As for further details, Superintendent Matt Thompson said the district's plans will be contingent on Gov. Holcomb's directives during that time.

Thompson said Mount Vernon officials will continue to update local families as more details are hashed out.

Area school districts announce plans for potential graduation ceremonies in July