Class of 2020 News
Seniors and Parents,

The faculty, staff, and administrators of Bishop Watterson all understand the sadness and disappointment that the senior class is experiencing. We miss seeing our students each day, especially the seniors as they are preparing to graduate with the knowledge and ideals we have worked to instill over the past four years. We know how special high school graduation is for each senior and their family members. It is a rite of passage in our country, and the event deserves an honorable celebration. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is an event that none of us could have predicted when school started last fall. It has changed so much in our world, and very quickly.

As a community of faith, we have a strong foundation rooted in respecting life, and therefore we must consider our most vulnerable populations as well as the safety of everyone in our community. We have a responsibility to cooperate with one another in an effort to keep the virus from spreading. Even though this has led us to the decision of shifting to a virtual graduation ceremony, we want our families to know that we are very proud of the accomplishments made by the Class of 2020 during their time with us. We are especially proud of how you have handled the past few months with grace and kindness toward each other. You have set a wonderful example for the younger classes and forged a legacy that will be remembered by the school for years to come.

We have been working hard to find ways to preserve our graduation traditions and celebrate the Class of 2020 during a pandemic. Our final plan aligns with guidelines set by the Ohio Department of Health and provides our graduates and their parents the opportunity to have a school-based memory to recognize their academic achievements.

Know that we are praying for each of you and your families during this difficult time. As I said in my last email to you, we look forward to a time when we can safely gather the Class of 2020 together to reconnect and celebrate your accomplishments. For now, stay focused on finishing your school work and remember to love God, do your best, and take care of each other.

Respectfully,
Deacon Chris Campbell ‘77
Principal
Cap and Gown Pick Up

Members of the Class of 2020 are invited to pick up their graduation caps and gowns on Monday,
May 11, from 9:00 a.m. - noon and 3:00-6:00 p.m. at the Dominican Hall entrance.

National Honor Society or Service Award cords will be available for pickup with the cap and gown for those students. Academic pins are currently not available for shipping due to the warehouse being closed.

Students/parents will pull their cars into the Dominican Hall driveway and a staff member will bring the cap and gown to you. 
Graduation Photo Opportunity

A tradition at Bishop Watterson is for the principal to present the diploma cover to each graduate at the commencement ceremony. On Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., students have the option of having their photo taken receiving their diploma cover from Deacon Campbell, according to the cap and gown dress code listed below. This photo will be used in our virtual graduation. Students who do not participate in having their photograph taken in cap and gown will be featured in the virtual graduation using their senior
class photo.

Parents are welcome to attend. This is open to parents only and no exceptions will be made.

  • Parents and students must wear a mask (students may take the mask off for the photo) and must respect the guidelines of social distancing. We will have a tight schedule with a student photographed every five minutes so please arrive completely ready to be photographed.

  • Be at the Dominican Hall entry five minutes before your scheduled time slot. If you arrive early, please wait in your car in the parking lot.

  • You will be directed when to enter the gymnasium.

  • After your photo, you will exit through the south doors of the gym and turn right to go down the steps and exit the building.


A digital copy of the photograph will be available for parents at a later time. More details will follow.
Dress Code for Photo

In light of the photo being used during the virtual ceremony, seniors will be expected to meet the standard dress code guidelines along with our typical graduation dress code outlined below. Students not meeting the dress code will have their photo taken, however, the photo used in the virtual ceremony will be their senior photo.

Requirements for Attire for Men:
Shirt, tie and dress pants. You must be clean-shaven.

Requirements for Attire for Women:
Dress (dark colors/bright pattern not recommended as it shows through the
gold gown).

No sneakers or flip flops are permitted for men or women.
Baccalaureate

Bishop Brennan was looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2020 at the all-diocesan senior Mass and lunch scheduled for March 13. He was disappointed when it was cancelled. In addition, Bishop Brennan was scheduled to celebrate Bishop Watterson’s baccalaureate Mass. However, with the closing of schools for the year, he opted to celebrate a baccalaureate Mass for all high schools in the Diocese of Columbus, bringing
all together in solidarity to celebrate the Class of 2020. This Mass will be
live-streamed from St. Joseph Cathedral on Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m.
We will share viewing details as they become available.
Upcoming Events

We will schedule times for textbook drop off, computer, charging cord and case drop off, locker clean out and research paper/writing folder pickup. The official diploma will not be released and the official transcript will not be sent to colleges until all school-owned materials are returned to school and all financial obligations have been satisfied.
Please watch for an email with details.