April 3, 2020

Dear Big Walnut High School Class of 2020:

We are deeply regretful that you have had to miss so many moments in your final semester at BWHS.  While we can’t give you back every missed opportunity, we do want to make sure that you have a prom and a graduation.  Please know that we will do everything in our power to make sure these events happen. While in some cases we are still waiting for more information, we wanted to share what we do know:

Prom: You absolutely deserve a senior prom.  We both remember our high school proms (and let’s be honest, there are probably a lot of people out there who remember Mr. Jados’ awkward running man dance at his senior prom in 1989), and we know how important this event is for you! We will do everything in our power to make sure that prom takes place, as long as we can do so within the parameters of the government mandates regarding schools and social distancing.  Your health and safety come first. We will continue to communicate details regarding prom as we approach that time and as new information becomes available.  Obviously, with the latest school closure extending to May 1, we will not be able to have prom on April 25. Currently, we have a back-up date reserved at Villa Milano for Friday, July 17.  If we get closer to that date and it looks as though we may not be able to have prom at that time, we will communicate and brainstorm some alternative options with you.

Graduation:  You have worked hard for 13 years to get to graduation.  Your families and our staff members are all so proud of you and can’t wait to celebrate this huge milestone with you. You will have a graduation.  We are still holding the May 16 date for now since the school building closure is only through May 1, but based on everything Governor DeWine has said, we realistically think the closure will go through the end of the school year.  In that case, please hold Saturday, July 25, as a backup date for our graduation ceremony. We will plan to have the ceremony in our football stadium at 8:00 pm to hopefully help with the heat. We do realize that this would put prom and graduation on back-to-back weekends, but we believe the later in the summer we schedule these events before students leave for college, the more likely the social distancing requirements may be lifted.

Honoring Seniors on Social Media:  While we all wait for the opportunity to honor you at graduation, we would love to spotlight our seniors on our social media.  Please fill out this form with the following information if you would like to participate: Senior Spotlight.  The link is also available on our website. 

• Your senior picture or another appropriate picture if you do not have a senior photo available

• Your full name (as you would submit for graduation)

• Your parents’/guardians’ names

• 3-4 HS activities or hobbies

• Your post-HS plans

Your physical and emotional well-being is of the utmost importance to us.  Please remember that you still have access to counseling services and other supports. 

• You can reach your school counselors via email:

• [email protected] for students with the last name beginning A-G

• [email protected] for students with the last name beginning H-O

• [email protected] for students with the last name beginning P-Z

• Your teachers are here for you as well.  Please contact them with any questions regarding your current schoolwork. 

Stay healthy! We hope to celebrate with you soon!`

Angie Hamberg         Andy Jados