Pomp and Circumstance gives way to virus
This year’s seniors at Perkins County High School have already missed out on experiencing so many of the activities and memories that go with the final semester of high school.
No prom. No track or golf season. No state FFA convention. No last day of school. And now, they’ll miss out on the climactical event of their high school career—graduation.
They won’t be alone. High school seniors throughout the nation are suffering a similar experience—all thanks to the pandemic outbreak of the coronovirus tagged as COVID-19.
Health directives are now in place throughout the country in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease. One of those directives limits gatherings to 10 people or less.
So filling the Pritchett gym with family and friends for a graduation ceremony won’t happen on May 9th as planned.
High School Principal Ben Jones said they still want to honor the seniors for their accomplishments over the last four years.
As a result, seniors, their parents and administrators have all agreed on Plan B.
Jones said the school has some really creative minds that came up with solutions to still make a lasting memory for the seniors, the parents, family and friends.
That solution? A video that will encompass all of the seniors and their accomplishments.
Jones said it’s going to be far more elaborate than just showing the seniors’ pictures and announcing their future plans.
The final details are still being worked out but Jones said it will be a personal and memorable tribute to the seniors.
It will include the speeches of the valedictorian and salutatorian and interviews with each of the seniors offering their advice to their fellow underclassmen.
Jones said they want to make it as personal as possible and will be announcing the names of all 25 graduates, as if they were crossing the stage to get their diploma.
The video will be released on May 9 on the school’s web site, social media outlets and with links emailed to the seniors and their families.
Aug. 1 ceremony Planned
Provided the coronavirus pandemic has passed, seniors will get a chance to walk across the stage.
Jones said a formal graduation ceremony has been scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1 in the Pritchett Gym.