The Butler Area School District is not holding a commencement ceremony or prom because the county remains in the green reopening phase of the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition, the district updated its athletics plan for fall sports and summer open gym use.

The district was considering holding a traditional commencement program July 15 at the high school football field and holding the prom July 13. The prom would have been held at Butler County Community College if large indoor gatherings were permitted, or in the high school parking lot if indoor gatherings were not permitted.

However, both were canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, Superintendent Brian White said.

He said he is glad the district held mini-diploma ceremonies for graduating seniors June 4 through 6, and is disappointed that commencement and the prom had to be canceled, but an event to recognize the 2020 graduating class could still be held.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appears in Sunday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.