Houston High cancels traditional graduation ceremony
Houston High School will not have a traditional graduation ceremony as it formerly hoped, the high school administration announced Tuesday, eliminating hopes for a June 18 ceremony at Bellevue Baptist Church.
“Bellevue has announced they will not be holding any public school graduation ceremonies this year,” a release from the district said.
Efforts to reach Bellevue officials were unsuccessful.
GMSD said the traditional graduation would be held if restrictions were lifted. Shelby County Health Department directives allow gatherings of up to 50. Alisa Haushalter, county Health Department director, stated the earliest the county would move to the third phase is June 8.
Even then, crowds would be limited to 250 and social distancing would be required. The district noted the guidance from the Health Department does not allow for hosting the ceremony in a football stadium.
Germantown streamed the reading of its seniors’ names with their pictures on Germantown Municipal Television May 14.
Students were given the opportunity to register for a family experience scheduled for Thursday.
“Our staff is working hard to create a memorable and special personalized graduation ceremony and senior parade May 28,” the district release said.
It added that Thursday’s event would “function as the official graduation ceremony.”
Families will drive through the parking lot and visit different spirit stops.
Additionally, students will have an opportunity to walk across a stage and get their diplomas. The district is providing complimentary graduation photos for graduates. Families can watch from their vehicles.
Families who did not register in hopes of a future traditional ceremony may still register online. Those who cannot locate their car tags – needed for the ceremony – should email Graduation2020@gmsdk12.org.
Houston High hopes it can still host a senior picnic planned for July 17, but the letter to GMSD families said plans are tentative. If it is unsafe to gather, staff will consider rescheduling the event for a safer time.
Haushalter said many schools submitted requests about safe graduation gatherings.
Collierville had two plans for traditional graduation contingent on local guidelines. Last Thursday, the district announced it was canceling them after a conversation with Dr. Bruce Randolph, Shelby County Health Department health officer.
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Germantown Germantown Municipal School District Houston High School graduationAbigail Warren
Abigail Warren is a lifelong resident of Shelby County and a graduate of the University of Memphis. She has worked for several local publications and covers the suburbs for The Daily Memphian.
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