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OHIO’s WOUB Center for Public Media is offering a way for regional high schools to celebrate their seniors by providing broadcast time to feature them in various ways on television.

For example, high schools in the region can submit a video message from their principal, record a video of the valedictorian’s speech or of an official reading the name of each graduating senior, or create a photo montage.

“It is generous of WOUB to help celebrate high school students in a way that is accessible to their families during this pandemic,” 91̽�� President M. Duane Nellis said. “High school graduation is a major milestone and these seniors deserve to be recognized for the work they’ve put into their education over the years.”

The idea to feature seniors on the public media channel came when a local high school reached out to WOUB, concerned that many families of graduating seniors in the region would not be able to participate in a virtual graduation ceremony due to internet connectivity issues. WOUB offered high schools in the region a 28-minute television time slot on WOUB HD, during which schools can recognize their senior class and provide a way for families across the region to be able to celebrate their seniors together while at a safe distance.

“We're always proud of how WOUB serves the unique needs of our region, especially in light of our current circumstances,” Scripps College of Communication Dean Scott Titsworth said. “This initiative will allow so many students and their families to celebrate graduation.”

WOUB HD is a television channel that is available over the air, on cable television and on satellite across the region. Through using this medium, families in the region with lack of broadband access will be able to celebrate their seniors.

“WOUB is proud to offer this needed community service during this difficult time,” WOUB Community Engagement Manager Cheri Russo said. “As many high schools in Ohio and across the country are trying to figure out ways to celebrate the Class of 2020 in a time of COVID-19 and social distancing, WOUB is offering this one possible solution.”

Regional high schools currently participating include Federal Hocking, Northern Local in Perry County and Toronto City School District in Jefferson County. WOUB anticipates more high schools will join.