The Apprentice School will celebrate the Class of 2020 during a graduation ceremony next month. However, it will be a unique drive-in event as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Completing an apprenticeship is a major accomplishment, and we knew we had to find a way to safely celebrate this milestone with our graduates and their families,” said Dr. Latitia McCane, director of Education at The Apprentice School. “Although we have to forgo some of our traditions this year in the interest of health, our goal is to ensure this is still a special day for all of our graduates.”

The 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17, ceremony will be held outdoors in the southeast parking lot of the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Howard E. Hoege III, president and CEO of The Mariners’ Museum and Park, will deliver the commencement address. Graduates can invite guests, but only as many as can safely fit into one vehicle.

Vehicles will be parked in every other parking space to allow guests the opportunity to get out of their vehicle and to safety social distance from others. Guests who get out of their vehicle will be required to wear a face covering at all times. For guests who can’t attend in person, the ceremony will be broadcast live at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/graduation.

Family and friends of graduates are encouraged to submit congratulatory video messages by Friday, April 2. Visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/graduation for submission guidelines and instructions.