NEWS

McDONOUGH — Henry County Schools has released the graduation ceremony timeline for the Class of 2020.

Earlier this month, district officials said they were doing everything they could to “preserve and protect” the special and memorable once-in-a-lifetime moments that come with high school graduation while also monitoring CDC guidelines.

In-person commencement ceremonies have been scheduled for June 22-26 to be held at each high school’s stadium. A week in July has also been set aside should health officials advise that June is not feasible.

The schedule is as follows:

♦ June 22 — Luella High School at 8:30 p.m. and Stockbridge High School at 8 p.m. (Alternate date July 20)

♦ June 23 — McDonough High at 8 p.m. and Locust Grove High at 8 p.m. (Alternate date July 21)

♦ June 24 — Eagle’s Landing High at 8 p.m. and Hampton High at 8 p.m. (Alternate date July 22)

♦ June 25 — Dutchtown High at 8 p.m. and Union Grove High at 8 p.m. (Alternate date July 23)

Madison, D.C. Express 2019 Express Scholar-Athlete Award recipient for having the Highest Overall GPA (4.48) for the third consecutive year.

Madison was also D.C. Express 2019 Express Athlete, this honor, the highest that can be presented to an athlete in the D.C, Express Track program, is accorded that special person, who exhibits the highest qualities of this tradition rich program, including impeccable integrity, sportsmanship, and a stellar academic record, to go along with a highly competitive attitude and unquestioned dedication.

“I’m still hopeful for a normal fall,” GHSA executive director Robin Hines told the “Georgia Prep Sports: From a Distance” video podcast Monday.

Hines provided an update on the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on high school sports in Georgia.

He said the association is hopeful to open activities “at some level” in the summer, possibly as soon as June. The GHSA recommended its member schools shut down sports activities March 12.

Hines said there is no plan to allow some areas impacted less by the virus spread to open sooner so as to not provide an advantage to those teams. He said he hopes to provide “one blanket statement” reopening activities across Georgia.

He warned students against getting together to hold practices while the statewide stay-in-place order largely remains. Hines said the state would have to see a “great reduction in the number of cases” before a decision is made.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have moved the 2020 New Balance Nationals Outdoor to the new dates of Thursday-Sunday, July 16-19.  These are tentative dates and depend totally on the guidance of national, state and local governments. We will continue to post updates as further definitive information is available (hopefully next 2-4 weeks). We continue to be cautiously optimistic we can host the meet on the new scheduled dates and wish everyone good health and safety in the meantime.

USATF CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19) INFORMATION PAGE

UPDATED REGULARLY

• Why was the 2020 USATF Hershey National Junior Olympic Championships cancelled?

o Based upon the current State of Florida COVID-19 mandates, the University of North Florida has notified USATF that the venue will not be available for the hosting of the Event.  In addition, USATF is committed to the safety and welfare of our constituency and will follow all State and Local government mandates.

• Does the cancellation of the Junior Olympic National Championship affect the Association and Region JO Qualifiers?

o Yes, those meets are cancelled as recommended by the Youth Executive Committee.

• Will the cancellation of the JO’s change if there is a change in the COVID-19 status?

o No

• Where will the 2021 USATF JO’s be hosted?

o The location of the 2021 JO’s has not been determined to date.  

• Are there any plans in 2020 to create another National event to replace the JO’s?

o There are no definitive plans for a 2020 National event.  The USATF National Office in conjunction with the USATF Youth Committee will discuss exploring possible 2020 options. 

• Has a decision been made on the hosting of the 2020 USATF National Youth Outdoor Championships?

o   The Youth Executive Committee recommended cancellation to the Board and to the National Office.   The recommendation was accepted.

• How will USATF handle Sanction requests from Associations or individuals that may opt to host a Youth track & field event once the facilities become available again?

o USATF will continue to process Sanctions accordingly under the same policies and procedures.  USATF continues to advise that all Local/State mandates be adhered to when considering hosting an event during the Summer 2020 season. 

• Please continue to access www.usatf.org for updated information on COVID-19 and other related information.

• STAY SAFE-STAY HOME