Perry High School has put in place a pair of plans for a graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020. The preferred option is for an outdoor event at Dewey Field, with an indoor ceremony to serve in case of inclement weather.
The one thing set for certain is the date: June 13. The outdoor event would begin at 7 p.m., with a divided graduation event, starting at 4 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. to be held in the PHS gym should the event be forced indoors.
The district issued a statement saying they understood the situation was far from perfect.
“We appreciate your understanding and flexibility,” PHS Principal Dan Marburger said. “This will be a new experience for all of us and we are very excited to be able to celebrate our students in person no matter which plan we go with.
It is important to understand the event is ticketed, Marburger said, and no admission — whether indoor or outdoor — will be given to those without a ticket. Each graduate will receive four tickets.
According to Marburger, graduates will be seated in folding chairs along the track and facing the high school. They will be divided alphabetically, with last names A-Martin white tickets and those Martinez-Z blue tickets.
If held at Dewey Field, blue tickets and their families will be seated on the south bleachers, with white tickets and their families on the north bleachers.
A stage will be set up near the 20 yard line, with students called to the stage in alternating rotation (one from “blue” and one from “white).
OUTDOOR CEREMONY
Graduates are asked to arrive no later than 6:30 p.m. and gather in the gym for the outdoor graduation.
Because of ongoing construction, only a limited amount of parking will be available on the hard lot at the school, and those attending are asked to park in the lot south of Dewey Field. Handicap parking will be available in the main high school lot.
Entrance to Dewey Field will be through the main gates on 18th Street only.
TICKETS/SEATING
Each student will receive four tickets for the ceremony at graduation practice.
Everyone, including children/infants, will need to have a ticket for entrance.
Tickets will be color coded white (last names A-Martin) or blue (Martinez- Z).
Blue tickets for outdoor ceremony will be seated on the south bleachers. White tickets for outdoor ceremony will be seated on north bleachers.
INDOOR CEREMONY (in the event of poor weather)
If forced indoors, current health guidelines will force the event to be divided into two sessions. White tickets will have their ceremony at 4 p.m. and blue tickets at 7 p.m.
The district will make the call on weather at the conclusion of practice (which starts at 9
a.m.) June 12.
SEATING
Families will need to distance themselves from other families by six feet. Please follow signage for appropriate seating on bleachers. Ushers will also be available to assist.
Blue tickets will be seated on south bleachers, white tickets will be
seated on north bleachers.
Doors/gates will open an hour early for seating.
PICTURES
Professional pictures will be taken by Jamison Studios at practice. Families will also have access to take photos after the ceremony. Pictures during the ceremony (especially outdoors) will not be ideal based on
spacing and stage setup.
MANDATORY PRACTICE
Because of the situation, we need all of you to make this a priority. Practice will be held June 12 at 9 a.m. Graduates are asked to arrive by 8:45 a.m. in your cap/gown.
Wear shoes that are conducive to walking in grass and clothing under your gown that you want to be photographed in (ex. shirt/tie or dress/shirt). Keep in mind it will likely be warm.
Practice is expected to last from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Remember to practice social distancing throughout practice and we strongly encourage wearing masks.
Any graduates who are absolutely unable to make it to practice/pictures are asked to
contact Mr. Marburger.
DIPLOMA and PACKET PICK-UP
Diplomas and award/scholarship packets will be available for pickup at tables
in front of the main entrance/auditorium, or in the commons if the ceremony is moved indoors due to weather..
Look for signs with your last name. You will return all cords and stoles at this time.
GUIDELINES
Please follow social distancing guidelines. We are encouraging masks, although not required. CDC guidelines may change between now and the ceremony.
All graduates will be provided with a Bluejay mask on graduation day.
Please do not bring large balloon bouquets that may impede others view.
We would like to eliminate silly string (it may stick/melt if it’s warm),
confetti/glitter is fine.
Please be considerate of names being called, for example no air horns or
carrying on for too long so that the next name can’t be heard. Please be patient and understand that this is a first for all of us.
WRAP UP
Please arrive on time and ready to go for practice and graduation. The ceremony will be streamed live on Facebook.
The ceremony will not look the same as it has historically, for obvious
reasons, however we are very excited to celebrate with all of you!
