Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Michael Devoll revealed to the ORR School Committee more details on senior events at a May 27 meeting. 

Devoll said he had tried to make unprecedented decisions “grounded what is right for our students and community.”  

He said one of his goals with the events was to keep seniors engaged throughout the summer. On May 28, students will stop by the high school in homeroom groups to pick up yearbooks and drop off textbooks. 

Devoll says he has a surprise for all seniors, even those who did not order a yearbook. 

For the school’s June 15 Decision Day he decided to ask students about a decision they have made in lives that shapes who they are. He also had some staff members answer the same question. 

The school cannot let students into their elementary schools for the traditional Senior Walk, but will host a Senior Parade event with Fun 107 instead. 

Police will lead a parade of cars through each town to elementary school, where staff will be outside waving and Fun 107 broadcasting messages from staff and students. Then the cars will return to the high school for a lap around campus. 

Although ORR can no longer hold its event in Rhode Island because state regulations there will not allow it, the school still plans to hold prom on Aug. 4 at the YMCA in Mattapoisett.

Devoll moved the time of the Aug. 8 graduation from noon to 10 a.m. after finding out that state regulations will not allow a tent, even in the August heat. 

His rain date is Aug. 9 and he said “I will hand out diplomas in the rain if I have to.” 

There will be a shorter ceremony and limited capacity for an audience from within students’ households. Students are also likely to sit on the bleachers, with families out on the field. 

Committee Chair Cary Humphrey suggested some events might become new traditions going forward. 

Another member, Heather Burke, noted a lot of colleges are looking at moving their start dates forward and move ins might conflict with that date. 

Devoll said he had considered that, and pushed graduation out to the last possible weekend.