PUHSD decision: Graduates will be allowed to walk stage

Perris Union High School District officials have decided to relax some restrictions at “drive-through” diploma ceremonies, allowing graduates to exit their vehicle and walk across a stage to receive their diploma as their name is called.

This format is the same as that used by many high schools recently, including schools in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District this week. Candace Reines, deputy superintendent for PUHSD, said the district received requests from parents to make such an adjustment in the drive-through ceremonies.

Reines said that after confirming with Riverside County Health Department officials that allowing graduates to walk the stage meets guidelines, they decided to make the change. There still will be only one vehicle per family allowed to pass by the stage.

The drive-through ceremony for Heritage High will be held June 4 and the ceremony for Paloma Valley High will be June 5. According to Reines, “The stage will be positioned along the drive-through path so that families can clearly view the moment from their vehicles and celebrate with their graduate. A professional photographer will also be present to capture the moment.”

More details will be announced in the coming week, Reines said.