Badin High School has announced plans for a Baccalaureate Mass as well as a revised graduation schedule.

“We have looked carefully the last several weeks for the opportunity to do something more traditional for our senior class,” Badin High Principal Brian Pendergest said. “We are pleased with the adjustments we have been able to make so that the Class of 2020 has a more normal experience as they conclude their memorable years at Badin High School.”

Badin’s annual Baccalaureate Mass – in jeopardy due to the pandemic -- will take place at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Liberty Township on Wednesday evening, June 10, at 7 p.m.

In addition, students in the 148-member senior class will graduate four at a time, with up to six family members in attendance, during 15-minute blocks in Badin’s Mulcahey Gym on Thursday and Friday, June 11-12, from 4 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. This represents a change from the earlier graduation plan that would have brought students and parents in one at a time from June 9-12.

Pendergest underlined that both events would take place “under all of the requirements as outlined by the City of Hamilton Health Department.” Those include appropriate social distancing as well as face masks at both Baccalaureate and Graduation.

In a letter to parents, Pendergest wrote, “We are excited to be able to make these changes. Being able to celebrate Mass as a community is truly a blessing and will be a wonderful experience for the seniors. We are looking forward to seeing all those who can attend. The changes to the graduation are also a positive and will make the event special.”

Father Ed Pratt, Badin’s chaplain, will celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass at St. Maximilian Kolbe. Each student will be limited to having two parents present, and the Mass will be live-streamed for simultaneous viewing.

Students are using SignUp Genius to arrange their graduation schedule.

“We certainly appreciate the patience and support we have received from our students and families during this unprecedented experience,” Pendergest said. “This has been a difficult time, but the resilience shown by the Class of 2020 has prepared them well for their lives beyond Badin High School.”