CHICOPEE/SPRINGFIELD –  With COVID-19 rates declining and vaccination rates up across Western Massachusetts, both Chicopee and Springfield schools are preparing to host in-person graduations this June.

Chicopee High School will be hosting their graduation outdoors at Szot Park on June 3. According to Principal Carol Kruser, Szot Park is always where Chicopee High hosts their commencement. The only difference this year is that, if there is rain, the ceremony will not move indoors.

“This year we’re doing it outside and, if it rains, we’re going to have a rain date. So we’re keeping it outside,” said Kruser. “Students will be three feet apart and we are having guests sign in with electronic tickets so that all guests are registered. With the restrictions easing a little bit they’re asked to sit with households and distance themselves outside. Szot’s a very big area”

Chicopee High is allowing each graduating student to have six pre-registered guests attend the ceremony. The rain date will be June 5.

“If they’re not vaccinated we’re encouraging them to still wear masks, but we’re not requiring them anymore based on state and DESE guidelines,” said Kruser.

After graduation, Chicopee High will be hosting an outdoor banquet dinner for the senior class. This will include a formal meal, speeches and a slideshow. Kruser said that Chicopee High did not have a prom this year.

The response from both parents and students over the decision to host an in-person graduation has been great, according to Kruser.

“Our families have been absolutely wonderful. They are so happy to have an in-person graduation. They were wonderful last year when we sort of did a one-by-one outside alone graduation and put it together,” she said. “I can’t say enough about our parents who understand the constraints and they are very grateful and they’re very happy to see their kids graduate. It’s quite an accomplishment with this hard year.”

Chicopee Comprehensive High School will also be hosting an outdoor graduation. The ceremony will take place on June 4 at the school’s Kuzdzal Field.

Each student will be allowed six pre-registered guests. According to Chicopee Comp’s website, masks and social distancing will be required.

Springfield Public Schools will host various graduation ceremonies for each school. They will all take place on the field at Central High School.

According to Azell Cavan, chief communications officer for Springfield Public Schools, capacity limits will vary at each ceremony.

“The smaller schools will be able to have more family members because the capacity is not going to be reached as quickly as the school that has more students, so it varies for each school,” she said.

Cavan said that the decision to host in-person graduations was made after the new Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines were put forward.

“The DESE guidance came out and allowed for outdoor graduations to take place as long as safety precautions are used. We understand that an actual graduation ceremony is one of the most looked forward to events of a person’s high school career and so when we had an opportunity to do an in-person event rather than something virtual, which is what we did last year, that’s the route we decided we would take,” she said.

Springfield High School of Science and Technology will host their graduation on June 7. Springfield Conservatory will be on June 8, followed by Duggan on June 9 and Commerce and Springfield Honors Academy on June 10.

On June 14 Renaissance School will host their commencement, Putnam will be on June 15, the Alternative School will be on June 16 and Central will take place on June 17.

According to Cavan, students and parents are thrilled to be able to have in-person graduations.

“People are elated,” she said.

Springfield’s Pope Francis Preparatory School will also be hosting an outdoor graduation.

According to Wendy Harrington, marketing and social media manager for Pope Francis, students will be allowed limited guests.

“We are having an in-person commencement out on our turf field this year. Each graduate is allowed to have up to six guests, we'll socially distance each family pod,” she said.

The commencement will be hosted at 99 Wendover Rd. in Springfield on June 3.