Outdoor ceremony set for May 31 at 8 p.m.
NRHEG High School Principal Dave Bunn and Senior Class Advisor Deb Bently have been putting considerable effort into adapting plans for this year's graduation ceremony, so that they meet the requirements of social distancing.
Many options have been considered, and many difficult choices have had to be made. They understand that many people are affected by these plans, and that the graduation ceremony is a milestone event, both for our seniors and their families.
Please be aware, as you read the document below, that governmental health agencies have the power to prohibit us from having any ceremony at all. For that reason, some uncomfortable and even rigid restrictions have been forced upon us.
We thank all the community members and other contributors who have offered their support and assistance as the graduation ceremony is planned.
Preliminary plans for the NRHEG class of 2020 graduation ceremony
Please be assured we are working hard to create the memorable experience our seniors deserve.
It is an unfortunate certainty that this year’s ceremony cannot be like those which have come before, so let’s all work collaboratively to assure that it is the best we can make it, including avoiding unnecessary conflict in the preparatory stages.
Planning for this year’s graduation ceremony is complicated by the expectations surrounding social distancing. As a public entity, the school district is monitored to confirm that it is conforming to all rules and guidelines.
Any plan is subject to approval by the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Education, and local government agencies, and so could change considerably. Health agencies are likely to impose stringent restrictions on movement and placement. However, the elements listed here constitute the current intent:
• The ceremony will be held outdoors on Sunday, May 31 at 8 p.m. in front of the Secondary building. The 8 p.m. start time is meant to help avoid the heat of the day If projection screens must be used, the later start will allow for greater visibility
• Families and other guests will be seated in their vehicles in the school parking lot. There will most likely be a lottery system which determines who will park in what spot. Health agencies will very likely require that all audience members remain inside their vehicles
• Weather permitting (and pending government approval), graduates will be seated in alphabetical order on elevated chairs positioned in the street. If approval is not granted, it is likely they will sit in their families’ cars. Chair placement will conform to social distancing requirements
• Speakers and performers will present from a raised platform, which will be positioned on the sidewalk, about halfway between the north and south building entrance ramps. Graduates will proceeed across this platform to receive their diplomas. A designated photographer will catch carefully framed photos of each graduate to be shared with families at no charge. Health agencies will almost certainly forbid any movement among cars for the sake of taking photos
• Extra lighting will be set up to help assure visibility
• Audio elements will be broadcast via FM radio
• The ceremony will be live streamed via YouTube
• Local radio stations will play recorded audio of the event at a later date
In case of inclement weather
Barring extreme circumstances, the event will take place even if it’s raining.
• Speakers and performers will have been recorded in advance. The recordings will be shown using projected images.
• Rather than being seated on chairs in the open, graduates will sit with their families inside their cars.
• The speaking platform would possibly be moved to the northern entry ramp, which has a roof.
It is possible the school district will be instructed to change these plans before it can receive permission to hold the event. We regret this uncertainty, and apologize for any inconvenience it causes. Thank you for your patience and forbearance as planning continues.
Plans change
The State of Minnesota issued guidelines on May 8 about what is, and is not, allowed at graduation ceremonies. These expectations forced the school to change its plans, yet again, for how NRHEG’s event will be performed. Schools are discouraged from having any kind of public gathering, and those that do have one must use a “drive-in” format—that is, people must sit in their cars.
“The rules make it clear we can’t let the graduates get out of their cars,” explains Mr. Bunn. “Not even to walk up to the stage and be handed their diplomas.”
“Only a few people are allowed to move around at all.” For example, the speakers can leave their cars long enough to give their speeches, but must then return.
“The school district has no choice but to comply with the rules,” says Mr. Bunn. “If we break them, our ceremony could be shut down completely. The plans have to be approved in advance by certain health agencies.”
The state’s rules specifically preclude using a stadium or bleachers; they also say it is against the rules to let people sit outside their cars on chairs or blankets.
Despite the restrictions, though, NRHEG is working hard to put together a memorable graduation ceremony. A basic outline of the plan has been sent to all seniors.
Unless the weather makes it impossible, the ceremony will be held on the grassy practice area between the school building and the football field.
Cars will be parked at least 6 feet apart, with taller vehicles sent to the back row. Because of limited space, most graduates will be allowed only 1 car for their family. Anyone who believes they should be allowed an additional car must notify the school in advance for permission. The event will be live streamed for people who cannot attend in person.
A flatbed semi trailer will be used for a platform for speakers and presenters. Sound will be transmitted using FM radio frequencies. Images will also be projected to the front for greater visibility.
Since graduates cannot come to the front to receive their diplomas, their photos—wearing their caps and gowns—will be projected as their names are read. Graduates came to the school earlier this week to have their photos taken.
After all the elements of the ceremony are taken care of, there will be a short fireworks display; funds for the fireworks were contributed by the American Legion organizations of New Richland and Ellendale, and by the NRHEG Parent Teacher Organization.