FHS postpones prom, graduation to June for now

FAIRFIELD - Fairfield High School has announced that it will delay its prom to June 13, and its graduation until June 19. Prom was originally scheduled for April 18, and graduation for May 24.

That June 19 date was the graduation makeup date all along. The ceremony is planned for 7 p.m. in Trojan Stadium. In a letter written by administrators, the district expressed its desire to 'help seniors and their parents experience the opportunity to make and enjoy memories.”

FHS Principal Brian Stone said he doesn't like to make promises he can't keep, so he wants the public to understand that the June 19 graduation date might not happen if the state hasn't lifted the ban on large gatherings by then.

'We'll keep our fingers crossed that it's safe for everyone at that time,” Stone said. 'We have 1,000 to 1,500 people attend graduation every year, so we don't want to invite a bunch of people to a gathering when we're being told we shouldn't.”

Stone said the decision to delay graduation weighed on his mind heavily, because he wants what's best for the students and the community.

Prom

Though the district settled on a makeup date for prom of June 13, it has not announced a time or a place where it will be held. The district still is trying to line up a DJ.

'Moving a big event is a big challenge,” Stone said.

Stone said the reason the district still is hoping to hold prom is that it doesn't want its students to miss out on such a memorable event.

'At the same time, we always want to take into consideration student safety,” he said. 'If it's not in the best interest of our students, then it will be something they have to miss. The safety of our students is always a concern, whether it's from a fire, tornado or global epidemic.”

Virtual graduation

In the event that the June 19 graduation must be canceled, the district has announced plans to hold a virtual graduation ceremony. Between May 18-23, seniors will receive a scheduled time to dress in their cap and gown, and walk across the stage in the FHS gymnasium to accept their diploma. They will be allowed to have up to four family members present. A professional photographer will take the student's picture, and FHS will purchase a 8x10 inch picture for each student as a token of appreciation.

This virtual graduation is not mandatory. If students do not wish to attend, they will have their photos taken when turning in their computer, with a FCSD backdrop. Those photos and videos will be compiled into a full graduation ceremony and posted on the district's website and on FHS's Facebook page on June 19. Students will be able to watch their own graduation for the first time in the presence of family, and it also will be available to the Fairfield community and any out of town family members.