Bellaire Local Schools Superintendent Darren Jenkins announces Bellaire High School will host a coronavirus vaccine clinic April 21 for Belmont County residents aged 16 and older.

BELLAIRE — Belmont County residents aged 16 and older can get vaccinated next week at Bellaire High School.

During Monday’s Bellaire Local School Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Darren Jenkins announced the high school will host an open coronavirus vaccine clinic April 21 in the school cafeteria.

“It will be open to anyone 16 years and older, so it’s open to the public. We are not sponsoring it, the Belmont County Health Department is sponsoring it,” he said.

Although the clinic will take place during school hours, he said it is a “testing day” and the vaccinations will not interfere with classes.

Jenkins said students interested in the vaccine must have parental consent and the necessary paperwork completed, which will be available at the high school.

Anyone seeking additional information on the clinic is asked to contact the county health department. Following the meeting, Health Commissioner Robert Sproul said they are still working on an exact timeframe for the clinic. The number of doses available will be determined by the amount allocated from the state next week.

In other matters, Bellaire High School Principal Derrick McAfee said the school will hold an in-person graduation this year. The outdoor ceremony is set for 2 p.m. May 30 at Nelson Field.

“That is full go. Anyone can come. Of course, masks will be required,” he said.

McAfee said there are no capacity limits for the outdoor ceremony and tickets will not be necessary. However, in the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved indoors to Alumni Auditorium where every graduating student will be provided four tickets for family and friends. Based on the weather, the decision on whether the ceremony will be moved indoors will be made by 11 a.m. May 30, he said.

McAfee said the planning for graduation is ongoing, but he is confident it will be “top notch.”

The middle school will also hold an in-person graduation this year. Middle School Principal Derek Ault said the eight grade graduation is set for 1 p.m. May 27 at the Alumni Auditorium. Due to it being held indoors, there will be seating limitations and will most likely be held via invitation only.

“Right now we’re looking at approximately four guests per student because we have about 96 kids in that class that will be graduating,” he said.

The board will next meet at 6 p.m. May 10 at the high school cafeteria.