Saturday, April 20, 2024
Granbury High School graduation returns to Pirate Stadium after almost a 25-year hiatus.
It’s not by design.
Social distancing due to COVID-19 eliminates indoor facilities. (Granbury graduations have been held for several years in the Fort Worth Convention Center.)
Johnny Perkins Field at Pirate Stadium will be the site for Thursday’s graduation, the first since 1996.
The ceremony starts at 8 p.m.
Diplomas will be handed to 417 seniors.
It’s been a unique year for the Class of 2020.
“These students physically attended school for the last time in March, never expecting to finish the year with virtual instruction,” Granbury Superintendent Jeremy Glenn said. “For 13 years these outstanding young men and women have persevered and overcome great obstacles to reach this milestone.”
Each participating senior will receive one pass for five family members to attend. Seniors will receive a health screening form along with the “family pass.”
Masks are encouraged but not required. Also “there should be no congregating before or after the event,” school officials said.
According to the Granbury school Facebook page, no student or attending family members can have any of the following symptoms in order to attend.
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
Loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea
Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19 if exposure to the active confirmed case occurred within the last 14 days.
Upon arrival, the family group must submit a completed health screening form. All attendees must sign the form to attest that each individual is not experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. “Please complete and sign before arriving,” school officials urge.
Seniors, dressed in traditional cap and gown, will march into the stadium from near the field house (opposite the scoreboard). Diplomas will be handed to seniors by school board trustees or other administration officials, who will be wearing gloves.
Seniors will leave graduation by the field house regardless if they parked a car or were dropped off. Family members will not be allowed in this area.
These guidelines for family members are posted on the school Facebook page:
No air horns (or similar devices) or signs are permitted. Please do not do or bring anything that will distract from the announcement of students during the ceremony.
Parking: Family parking will be in the front of the high school, next to the James Wann Sports Center, and the back of the high school by the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. It is recommended for family members to come in one vehicle.
Arrival: The main gate, the student pass gate and the visitors gate will all open at 7 p.m. Family members on the same pass must arrive together and enter through the gate corresponding to their “family pass.” Individuals on the same pass cannot enter separately.
Seating: Seating will be assigned randomly. Family groups of five must sit together and remain in designated spaces to maximize social distancing. Once seated, do not split up or move. Programs will be pre-set in the designated spaces. Assistance: Nurse’s stations will be located throughout the stadium to provide hand sanitizer, water and other assistance for attendees.
Departure: Family members should exit through the same gate they entered the stadium.
Live streaming/Recording: A professional company will live stream and record the ceremony.
Seniors and family members will also have the option to purchase a digital download or DVD.
Information on the livestream and purchasable items will be available prior to the ceremony.
Fireworks: There will be a short fireworks display at the end of the ceremony.
