SHS Graduation Details

Graduation 2020

We recognize that there are many questions centering around the status of graduation. First and foremost, we want to express how proud we are of our seniors and how they have risen above their circumstances. That comes from good parenting. They are a great group and we know that they are going to accomplish great things. We do not take lightly the trust you have shown us during this trying time. The patience each of you has shown during this planning is greatly appreciated. Please know that we will do everything humanly possible to make this a memorable day for each senior and their family. In accordance with directives from State officials this week, we plan to move forward with graduation on May 22nd at 8:00 pm. In talking to many of the Senior leaders, they asked to be together as much as possible and that we give them as traditional of a SHS ceremony as we can deliver. We will continue to work closely with State and local officials to provide a meaningful graduation ceremony while keeping health and safety as a priority. We have developed two plans that we will potentially utilize depending on the risk and outbreak in Gaines County on May 22.

  • Plan 1: (Best case scenario)  Students will be seated on the field with a least 6 ft distancing.  Each student will be able to have four guests.  We will utilize both sides of Wigwam Stadium.  Seats will be marked in groups of four. There will be a 6 ft span between the next four seats.  We will bring the audience in and out of the stadium in a controlled fashion.  The stage will be set up in a way that both sides can see the presentation of diplomas.  The event will be live-streamed to give everyone a chance to see it live.    
 
  • Plan 2: (Most restrictive because of conditions)  Parents/Guardians (only) and students will arrive together at the Stadium parking lot and view the live stream of the Val/Sal speeches.  In the order they arrived, students and parents will step out of the car and head to the stage.  We will steadily release students and parents to file into the stadium with distancing.  Parents will walk down the track as their child steps on to the stage to receive their diploma.  Parents and their graduate will then circle the track and exit through the workout facility and back to their car.  There will be no audience members in the stands.  The event will be live-streamed to give everyone a chance to see it live. If conditions allow, students may be able to sit together on the field during the ceremony with social distancing.  

  • Bad Weather: In the event of bad weather, graduation will become more virtual in nature and utilize the indoor facility at the stadium.  

  • Parade: Because we are going to have to limit the number of guests per graduate, we are working on the logistics of a parade to allow the community and extended family members to honor this year's seniors.  It will take place just prior to the start of graduation. 
Our hearts go out to the class of 2020 and their families, who have watched many Seminole HS traditions altered or canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The safety and health of our students and families remain our top priority. Thank you to our high school principals, senior leadership, and school families for developing potential options to best serve students and families during this historic health crisis. High School Administration will provide a more detailed plan as we get closer to graduation day.  It has and continues to take every single one of us working together, and I could not be more proud to serve alongside you all.

Sincerely,

Kyle Lynch