INdian Hill Class of 2020 graduation plans: It is time to celebrate!

A message from IHHS Principal Jeff Damadeo about Class of 2020 planned events

NEWS RELEASE: Heather Higdon, Director of Communications

INDIAN HILL, OH (May 12, 2020) – Indian Hill High School (IHHS) just released plans to celebrate the Class of 2020.

Here are details from IHHS Principal Jeff Damadeo.

Indian Hill Senior Cap & Gown Pick-Up

Friday, May 15

Beginning at 12 p.m. 

Indian Hill administration and staff will be passing out caps and gowns, graduation medals and cords, and a special gift from the Indian Hill Boosters. If possible, Senior Award certificates will be distributed at that time as well. Details were sent to families directly.    

IHHS Class of 2020 Senior Home Portraits: May 16 & May 17 

Indian Hill High School’s graduation photographer, Mr. Keith Klenowski, is offering seniors the chance to have a family picture taken with in cap and gown, adorned with their medals and cords within the safety of their own homes. Details were sent to families directly.    

IHHS Senior Celebration of Excellence: Wednesday, May 27 7:30 p.m. 

The Class of 2020 has been anything but ordinary. Each year we have an opportunity to celebrate the various accomplishments of our seniors. This year’s Celebration of Excellence will be a live streaming event. The link will also be available to view from any mobile device and/or computer. Seniors will receive the link for future viewing.  

IHHS Senior Farewell Drive : Friday, May 29 – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Walking through the halls of our District is a rite of passage and one of the most memorable, special, and fun activities that help commemorate the end of an era. To help recreate that moment, seniors will be driving through our schools for a special farewell. Seniors may decorate their cars in celebration of finishing the year and an illustrious high school career! The IHHS Class of 2020 will be divided into three groups to allow for greater efficiency and to maximize traffic flow. Details were sent to families directly.    

IMPORTANT: In order for this Senior Farewell to work, strict social distancing rules will need to be followed. Students will NOT be allowed to get out of their cars but will be directed to drive through the main gate of the high school, through the parking lot of Indian Hill Middle School, down Drake Road to Indian Hill Primary School and across the street to Indian Hill Elementary School. This loop changes based on the student’s last name, but the flow of traffic will create a continuous flow between our buildings. Any staff members present will be wearing masks and ensuring at least six feet in between one another.

Please note: This event is not a parade, so for safety reasons, standing out on Drake Road to spectate is highly discouraged.    

IHHS Class of 2020 Celebration Video: Friday May 29 – 8 p.m. – Video Streaming Event 

To recognize, commemorate, and celebrate the Class of 2020, a collection of students, teachers, administrators and special guests have come together to create an opportunity to highlight our amazing seniors and how much you mean to all of us. Incorporating our Senior College Pictures, Senior Testimonials, Teacher Testimonials, Baccalaureate Performances, and Seniors Awards, this video will serve as a keepsake for the Class of 2020! The link will be made available for viewing from any computer or mobile device.  

Indian Hill High School Commencement (Revised Date): Late Summer 2020 (Exact Date TBD if state-wide restrictions are lifted prior to July 27)

Our hope is that we will have an opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2020 in a traditional Commencement Ceremony. This will only occur if “mass gathering” CDC guidelines are lifted that would safely allow the gathering of our school community. Traditional songs/music may be played through pre-recorded sessions. Seniors will receive their diplomas. 

This could be a limited ticket/guest event. Details and safety considerations will be shared as we get closer to this date. There would not be an opportunity to extend a formal graduation ceremony beyond the August 1 date, and NO extension of a commencement ceremony would be attempted. If we are unable to conduct an in-person ceremony in a safe manner, then we will proceed with an alternative graduation ceremony/celebration. This would allow an opportunity for immediate families to receive their diplomas by hand, and take pictures with their graduate on our field or within our auditorium. 

Indian Hill High School PROM – Summer 2020 (Exact date TBD)

If restrictions are such that mass gatherings are allowed (yet still defined by then current CDC guidelines) we will be hosting Prom 2020 at Tomahawk Stadium. Ticket sales and number of guests could be restricted, and, if so, seniors would get first priority.  

IHHS Commencement In-Person Roll Call/Video Recording – June 2020 (if a traditional ceremony is not possible.  Exact Date TBD) – Students and families will have a scheduled time. 

If we find, (even later in June) that the restrictions are such that an in-person graduation ceremony will not be possible we will be creating an opportunity for our graduates to hear their names and receive their diplomas. This event will be an in-person “roll call” of the seniors and their parents at IHHS. The Class of 2020 will be divided into groups of students/families and will be assigned times to come to the high school. The roll call will include each student’s name being called as they walk across the stage or field with their family in the audience, then exiting back to their cars. 

Families will be directed from cars and staggered in intervals to the auditorium or stadium. Introductions made by the administration and the Salutatorian along with the Valedictorian’s Commencement address will be previously recorded. This activity will be video recorded and compiled into a Video Graduation Ceremony and used as a keepsake to commemorate the Commencement of the Class of 2020 that IHHS will give to every graduating senior, which will include professional photography.   

IMPORTANT: In order for this Senior event to work, strict social distancing rules will need to be followed. More specific details around logistics and how social distancing will be handled will be provided closer to this date. Seniors will receive Commencement programs and their diplomas at this time. Students who elect to not participate will have their diplomas mailed and/or delivered home.

On behalf of the entire Indian Hill High School faculty and staff, I congratulate the Class of 2020. We look forward to celebrating with you!  

Dedicated to the success of our Braves,

Jeff Damadeo
Indian Hill High School Principal