By ELI LUTGENS
Editor
The 2019-20 NRHEG graduation will not be a typical one. This year has been incredibly challenging. The class of 2020 will not soon forget the extraordinary circumstances surrounding their graduation.
A total of 55 seniors will graduate from NRHEG High School, Sunday, May 31.
The plan for Sunday is a unique one: a drive-in graduation. The ceremony will be held outdoors, beginning at 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, where 55 seniors will be graduating from NRHEG. The location will be the practice area between the school and the football field. This will allow seniors and their families to drive in and park. A flatbed trailer will serve as the stage, with the projection screens to the left and right of the parking area. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the school parking lot and Ash Ave.
No one but the graduates and their families will be admitted, in one car each. No one, including the seniors themselves, will be permitted to leave their cars, except for the speakers, who will speak and then return to their vehicles.
“We’d like to open it up for everyone,” Bunn said, “but we can’t.”
Board vice-chair Travis Routh asked if any schools are considering holding their commencement ceremony on the football field.
“According to state guidelines, that is absolutely not acceptable,” said Bunn.
Dan Petsinger of Radio Link Internet will be making the ceremony visible online via YouTube. Carlie Wagner will also be present to read the names of the graduates.
After all the elements of the ceremony are finished, 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.