With a spike in COVID-19 cases in Clallam County in recent days — particularly in the 19-29 age group — Peninsula College officials agreed to move the school’s Aug. 22 commencement ceremony online.

The drive-up event that was to take place on campus Saturday was scrapped in favor of a socially distant alternative, PC officials said.

The virtual ceremony, scheduled for at 1 p.m., celebrates students who completed a certificate and/or degree in fall 2019, and winter, spring or summer 2020 quarters, and feature students and speakers as well as photos and videos.

PC will live stream the ceremonies; see www.nwacsportsnetwork.com/peninsula.

Diplomas will be mailed to students following the ceremony, college officials said; 2020 graduates are also invited to walk at an in-person ceremony in 2021, conditions permitting.

“This is a disappointing turn of events, but we feel we need to be leaders in this difficult time, and to encourage folks to do what’s necessary to get this pandemic under better control,” PC president Dr. Luke Robins said.

“Celebrating our students at commencement is hands-down the highlight of our year at PC. As much as we were looking forward to a modified drive-up ceremony, graduates’ safety and that of families and staff is paramount, so we’ve made the decision to err on the side of abundant caution.”

For more information, contact Rick Ross at rross@pencol.edu.