The decision has been made. Huntingdon High School’s 90 seniors will graduate this Sunday at 6 p.m. at Paul Ward Stadium’s football field.
The Huntingdon Special School District Board of Education members met May 7 in a special called meeting to set a date for graduation and to name a TSBA volunteer selection, which will not be disclosed at this time.
High school principal Dr. Jonathan Kee said the home side would seat 537 people six feet apart.
“So that’s my recommendation that we use the football field on the home side,” said Kee.
Board chairman Dr. Lee Carter pointed out that graduation is not only for the seniors but for the entire community.
“I want to make sure that we have graduation for our seniors,” said Kee.
Board member Jerry Morris said he was for going ahead with the ceremony and not delay it any longer.
After the meeting, Kee and Director of Schools Pat Dillahunty made the final plans for graduation.
In a news release, Dillahunty noted that after reviewing guidance from the Governor, Tennessee Department of Education, and local health officials, plans are in place to not only celebrate the graduates’ great accomplishments but also protect the well-being of the entire community.
Each graduate will have the opportunity to request up to six tickets for the ceremony. In doing so, this will allow the practice of social distancing as guests will be seated six feet apart on the home side of the stadium.
Tickets will be pre-assigned and graduates will have an opportunity to randomly draw so they have an equal opportunity for assigned seating. Tickets must be presented for entrance into the stadium. The graduation ceremony will be streamed live on the Huntingdon Special School District Facebook page.
In the event graduation should be postponed due to the weather, the make-up date will be Monday, May 18, at 6 p.m. An announcement to postpone will be made no later than noon of the scheduled day of graduation through social media, HHS Remind app, and the school website (hhs.huntingdonschools.net).
“I would encourage each graduate to review the graduation details provided by HHS as you prepare for your big day,” said Dillahunty. “Our hope is to not only uphold the many traditions that have been a part of graduation at Huntingdon High School, but create new ones as we move our ceremony outside. We are confident this will be a celebration that you and your guests will enjoy as we strive to give you the recognition you deserve.”
She concluded by saying, “As each day passes, we all continue to adjust to these unprecedented times. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we try doing what is best for our graduates and the Huntingdon community. We look forward to celebrating together Sunday, May 17 at 6 p.m. We will continue to keep you informed in the event something does change.”
