Marion schools making plans for 2020 graduation

District sets sights on July 18 for ‘ brief’ commencement ceremony for seniors

ralphhardin@gmail.com It looks like the Marion High School Class of 2020 is finally going to get to celebrate their graduation, according to a message posted on the district’s Facebook page last week.

“Last evening, our MSD School Board approved the following,” read the post on Thursday morning. “On Monday, July 6, the Marion School District will submit a request for approval from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for a proposed 2020 Marion Patriot Graduation Ceremony.”

So, when can the Patriot grads gather? The proposed date for the event is Saturday, July 18, at 10 a.m., in the Marion School District Arena.

“We hope to have confirmation of approval for the event within a few days,” the post reads. “This is intended to be a brief diploma ceremony — not a full-scale traditional graduation. However, we will be releasing the first-ever MSD Virtual Ceremony video at noon on the same date that will contain many of the elements of a traditional ceremony.”

But don’t send invitations out to Grandma, Grandpa, and all the aunts and uncles.

“To adhere to the guidelines for social distancing

Continued on Page 2 GRADUATION 2020 (cont.)

and face coverings as prescribed by the Arkansas Department of Health and DESE, the graduation will be closed to the general public,” said thepost.

“However, each graduate will be allowed to have two escorts to accompany him/her during the ceremony.”

Graduates and escorts will line up on the lower and upper hallways of the Marion Junior High School, maintaining a distance of 6 feet between each graduate and their escorts.

Escorts will stand in the hallways with the graduates and proceed with the graduates into the arena for recognition. Graduates will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, while their escorts will walk along the base of the stage. After the recognition, the graduates and their escorts will exit the arena.

All graduates and escorts will be required to wear masks for the duration of the ceremony. Escorts are NOT required, but up to two are allowed per graduate. Escorts must be at least 21 years of age and submitted to Principal Paul Johnston for prior approval. Escorts should arrive in dress casual attire and be comfortable standing and/or walking for as

Lifetouch Photography will be on hand to provide photographs of the graduates.

Graduates will be allowed to remove their masks briefly for the Lifetouch photograph. No other photographs will be allowed in the Arena.

The ceremony will be livestreamed for the benefit of family and friends. Details for viewing will be released shortly.

More details to come.

Please remember this proposed event is still subject to approval from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Submitted photo