The Haines High School Class of 2021’s graduation is scheduled for May 18, and as long as pandemic risk levels remain low, will be a limited, in-person event. Similar to last year, the ceremony will include a parade down Main Street.
Student body president Lydia Andriesen said the senior class has met to discuss the outlook for graduation and hopes to have a traditional ceremony.
“It will look a little different because only family members, board members, and teachers will actually be in the gym during the ceremony, while everyone else will watch on a live stream,” Andriesen said.
Andriesen said the class decided they want to have an outdoor event open to all community members after the ceremony. She said seniors will stand in front of their respective posters while people who were unable to attend the live event come wish them well.
During the COVID-19 lockdown last school year, the graduation ceremony included a parade down Main Street. Andriesen said the senior class wants to incorporate a similar parade into their graduation.
“Instead of being in our cars, though,” said Andriesen. “We want to walk down Main Street as a class in our cap and gowns.”
Superintendent Roy Getchell said that he believes that a parade after the graduation ceremony will become a Haines tradition.
School administrators have developed various back-up plans in case COVID-19 cases increase, according to Getchell. “A lot is riding on our risk level,” said Getchell, “which is measured by active community cases, school cases, and vaccination rates.”
Masks and social distancing will be mandated at the event. Getchell said the crowd capacity will also be limited. “Families will be in pods,” said Getchell, “And other participants will be sitting within larger bubbles.”
Getchell said graduation will also be available to watch via Zoom. He said the ceremony will be posted on the Haines Glacier Bears YouTube channel afterward for those who could not attend.
The graduation song Pomp and Circumstance will be pre-recorded since musicians cannot play with masks on. It will be played through the speakers as the seniors enter the high school gym.
The school administration has decided they will film the graduate walk into the gym beforehand in case a live ceremony is no longer possible.
Graduation was discussed on April 20 at a school board meeting. Board members approved the plan, which will be reevaluated at a May 4 board meeting.