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Senior High graduation video will be broadcast May 23 on WMFD TV
grad signsEach member of the Class of 2020 receives a yard sign after they complete their walk across the stage for the modified in-person graduation video. The signs, which proclaim “Proud Graduate of Mansfield Senior High School,” were provided by the Mansfield School Employees Association and the Ohio Education Association.

      Production of Mansfield Senior High School’s modified in-person graduation video continued on Tuesday, the fourth of seven days during which members of the Class of 2020, attired in cap and gown, are walking across the stage to pick up their diplomas.

      “Everything is going well and is on schedule,” said Assistant Principal Robert McQuate.

      Remaining graduates are scheduled to take their turns across the stage each day through Friday.

      Robert Meisse, president of WMFD, has confirmed that the Mansfield television station will broadcast the Senior High graduation video at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. WMFD is channel 68 on Direct TV and channel 15 on Spectrum Cable. Station producer Matt Wagner said the video also will stream live on the WMFD web site for access by those outside the broadcast area.

      It also will be posted on tygerpride.com and linked to social media sites.

      When completed, the video will feature each member of the Class of 2020 receiving their diploma, along with pre-recorded remarks by the valedictorian, salutatorian, Principal Marinise Harris, Superintendent Stan Jefferson and board of education President Renda Cline.

      The video will be provided to each graduate, along with a formal cap-and-gown photo and a copy of the program being created to simulate the traditional May 23 commencement in Pete Henry Gym. That plan was scrapped by social distancing guidelines brought on by the coronavirus threat.

      Each graduate is permitted to bring a maximum of four family members and/or friends to sit near the front of the auditorium while they are videotaped walking across the stage. The four guests join school personnel in applauding and cheering for their graduate.

      Everyone entering Senior High must wear masks and have their temperature taken before proceeding to the auditorium.

      After their walk across the stage, each graduate has an individual photo taken, then one with their four guests.