A number of local schools are gearing up for end-of-the-year events outdoors.
Jonathan Alder, North Union and Triad will each host their graduation ceremonies at their football fields.
Jonathan Alder
Pioneer graduates will receive their diplomas during a ceremony from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, May 30 at their football stadium.
Jonathan Alder officials did not respond to requests for additional information by press time.
North Union
North Union’s graduation will be hosted at 7 p.m. Friday, June 4 at the football stadium. In the case of inclement weather, graduation will be pushed to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 5 in the high school gymnasium and cafeteria.
A “Vegas Nights”-themed junior and senior prom will be held from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, May 1 at North Union High School.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, there will not be a public entry or a walk-through for public attendance.
However, “red carpet guests” will be announced from 7-7:45 p.m. as they arrive.
Triad
Triad students will wrap up local graduation ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 6 at their football stadium.
Superintendent Vickie Hoffman said the district’s graduation committee is meeting next week to finalize details of the event.
In the meantime, Triad juniors and seniors are preparing for prom from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, May 15 at Cheetah Lounge, 211 Glenn Avenue, Urbana.
She noted that all students will be required to “follow all (safety) protocols,” including wearing masks. There will be hand sanitizer throughout the event space, as well.
Hoffman said there is an area in the venue similar to a “big gym” that will be opened for prom, giving students “more than double” the usual space. She said this will allow students to social distance.
School administrators are encouraging students to stay in groups of 10 people or less.
Dinner will be served at the venue for students who purchase a ticket that includes full meal service. Those tickets must be purchased by May 5.
Hoffman said each student who purchases a prom ticket will also be given a specific time to arrive at Cheetah Lounge. Those eating at the event will begin to arrive at 7:30 p.m. while those not eating will start at 8:30 p.m.
She said this will ensure parents can take photos of their student and attendees can enter safely without large crowds gathering.
Students will be permitted to bring dates from outside of the district, but must submit an application to do so. Hoffman said this is a standard requirement and is not related to COVID-19.
She added that a local family of a senior student is also hosting an after-prom event at Goshen Lanes in Mechanicsburg.
While it is not a school-sponsored event, Hoffman said it “will be a safe place for kids to go after prom.”