Northern Lehigh School District plans to hold two in-person commencement ceremonies for the graduating class of 2020.

The pair of ceremonies slated for July 24 are being done in order to comply with the current COVID-19 restrictions, according to high school Principal Robert Vlasaty.

“We are happy to announce that we will be hosting two “in-person” commencement ceremonies in order to comply with the COVID-19 restrictions that are currently in place,” Vlasaty said. “Due to the statewide order by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, all graduates, families and staff will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet in between families.”

Vlasaty said the first ceremony will be conducted from 8-9 a.m. for graduates with last names beginning with A-Kr. The gate will be open at 7:30 a.m., and guests are asked to arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. so that it can begin at 8 a.m.

He said the second ceremony will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for graduates with last names beginning with KU-Z. The gate will be open at 10 a.m., and guests are asked to arrive no later than 10:15 a.m. so that it can begin at 10:30 a.m.

Additionally, Vlasaty said the district will hold a parade for all graduates at 7 p.m. at Victory Park in Slatington that will end at Northern Lehigh High School. All guests are asked to arrive by 6:30 p.m.

“In order to keep the population of each ceremony under 250 people as required, each graduate will be given three tickets, and we ask that each family arrive in one car in order to accommodate parking, and to expedite departure,” he said, adding that anyone without a ticket will not be admitted. “Lastly, in order to minimize congregation after the ceremony, when each graduate receives his/her diploma, he/she will immediately walk toward the entrance of the stadium to meet his/her family to take a photo and then leave the school grounds.”

Vlasaty said that in the event of rain, the district will cancel both ceremonies and plan to distribute the diplomas at the end of the parade in front of the high school.

A total of 106 students are expected to graduate.

Blue Ridge TV-13 will broadcast the graduation ceremony live.