Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,Ref-Meco) yesterday signed onto a letter to Gov. Cuomo in support of allowing schools in New York state to host in-person graduation ceremonies. If school districts follow proper public health guidelines, graduation ceremonies could be allowed to offer a sense of closure for high school seniors.

“High school graduation is an important rite of passage,” said Smullen. “Our students have a once in a lifetime chance to celebrate this moment with their family and friends. Now that the state is reopening, our high school seniors across upstate New York should be allowed the opportunity to have real ceremonies, rather than virtual ones. I want to make sure schools know that we support them in celebrating their students’ accomplishments while following proper social distancing guidelines. We can do this, and the time is now.”