Let the graduations commence
This may be an empty parking lot today, but a week from now this will host a very special graduation ceremony at Wallace Jr./Sr. High School.
Photo by JOSH McDONALD
The plans have been made, approved, and are now set for the three local school districts and their graduation ceremonies.
What was initially thought to be a lost milestone for the Class of 2020 is now going to be viewed as a unique experience that will be looked at as the historic overcoming of one of America’s greatest obstacles.
Kellogg, Wallace and Mullan school districts have set their plans for their ceremonies and had them approved by local health officials.
Mullan Jr./Sr. High School will hold their graduation with a limited ceremony on May 22, at 6 p.m. at the Mullan Pavilion.
According to MSD Superintendent Les Wells, the ceremony will not be open to the public, and besides the graduating students it will only allow parents or guardians to attend.
The school is looking for an avenue to stream their ceremony for family and friends to view remotely.
Wallace Jr./Sr. High School’s ceremony will be on the same day as Mullan’s (as tradition), but will be done in a way that allows for more spectators to witness the landmark event while still observing social distancing requirements.
At 7 p.m. on May 22, the senior Miners will be paraded across a stage in the parking lot as families watch from the safety of their own vehicles.
“Only immediate family will be in attendance (one car/graduate) as parking is limited,” said Tina Brackebusch, senior class adviser. “We have requested that families bring passenger cars only (no motor homes, buses, etc.) due to the limited parking space. Larger trucks and vehicles will be positioned at the rear of the parking lot so as not to obscure the view of everyone in front of them.”
Nothing about the content of the ceremony will be any different from previous years except that students will sit in the vehicles with their families until the time for receiving their diplomas comes.
Families in attendance can also stream the ceremony live using the community Wi-Fi available in the parking lot and the ceremony will be broadcasted live through the school’s Channel 3 YouTube page for family and friends to view at home as well.
Kellogg High School will follow a similar path as their closest neighbors, but there will be some slight differences.
The Wildcats’ ceremony is set for May 30, at 2 p.m. and will be in their parking lot as well.
Each graduate will be allowed to have one vehicle with family members and will be assigned a parking space according to a lottery system where they will be parked.
A stage will be set up on the grassy area between the parking lot and the school where graduates will receive their diplomas.
Only one family at a time will come up and all others will remain in their cars throughout and the ceremony will also be live-streamed for the community to view.
“There are restrictions which make it different, but still a celebration for us,” said KSD Superintendent Dr. Nancy Larsen. “We are hoping for a beautiful, but not too hot, day to celebrate our graduates.”