***Graduation 2020 UPDATE*** Stadium Ceremony Canceled

July 3, 2020

Dear Graduates and Parents of the Class of 2020,

I am writing today with a heavy heart as I must inform you that graduation 2020 will not proceed in the form planned, but will occur on the same date as a modified drive-by graduation in front of the Chapel.

Given the recent, significant increase in COVID-related illness in Washoe County, and the extension of Governor Sisolak’s Phase 2 Emergency Directives until at least July 30, the Bishop Manogue Board of Directors, Bishop Calvo and school administration have together determined that cancelling graduation as a large group event is the prudent course of action. Holding an event with nearly 800 people, even outdoors, could pose a significant health risk not only to our Manogue family, but to the greater northern Nevada community as well.

All of us felt the weight of this decision, but also recognized that, as a Catholic school, we are called to respect life, love our neighbor and work toward the common good. Our class of 2020 now joins those in Washoe County and the state, including Bishop Gorman, whose graduation ceremonies have been reimagined.

While this is not what we had hoped for, we believe this is the best solution given the extenuating circumstances with which we are faced. We are working with our team to create a celebratory atmosphere for our graduates and their families. On Tuesday, July 7, we will be in a position to share more specifics with you on what to expect on July 10th.

We ask for your patience and understanding, and look to Bishop Calvo’s Baccalaureate homily for wisdom. In it, he recognized the resourcefulness and resilience with which the Bishop Manogue community responded to school closures during the pandemic. He further stated, 

“If you are resourceful when you meet obstacles in life, then you can be resilient. Resilience is vital. When we’re down, we get up. When everything seems dark and gloomy, we look for the ray of light to find our way forward,”

This moment may feel like the darkness, but, together, we will find the light. We will celebrate the BMCHS Class of 2020 beyond our televised broadcast. In the meantime, let us pray for an end to the pandemic, strength to get up when we are down, and the courage to find the light.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Schambari 

President

matthew.schambari@bishopmanogue.org

Bishop Manogue Catholic High School

Ph.  (775) 336-6000

Fax (775) 336-6015