Washington High School to host graduation, grand march at football field

Washington High School is planning on recognizing their students with a grand march and graduation 'under the lights.”

The two events will take place at the football field June 19 and 21.

'After measuring the varsity gym, we know it is not large enough to house a grand march or graduation,” said Principal Erik Buchholz. 'Therefore, we will use the football field as the alternative site.”

The commencement ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on June 21. Students will line up at the southeast gate at 6:30 p.m. and walk in alphabetical order to sit with their parents or guardians at their designated spots.

Each student will receive five tickets mailed to the students for family and friends for the graduation. These tickets include the parents, allowing three other family members to attend.

This is a unique opportunity as the parents will walk up with the students to receive the diplomas. During this ceremony, seniors will also receive their awards and scholarships that would normally be given out during senior night.

As the students exit, the Hall of Ivy will be played.

Buchholz said this is a unique opportunity for the students and the first time a commencement ceremony will be hosted on the football field. The school felt it was necessary to move forward with a way to recognize the seniors and do it in a way that was really memorable but still safe and following guidelines.

A grand march will take place on the field Friday before the commencement ceremony, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. students will line up at the southeast gate and will be introduced as they walk the southside of the track. After stopping for pictures at the 50-yard line on each side of the field, a professional picture will be taken at the end.

After the march is over, students will receive a prize from the after prom committee.

When registering for the grand march, students can register four additional tickets that will be checked off a list at the entrance.

All social distancing guidelines must be followed and will be posted around the field and bleachers. Masks are not required but are recommended and once the commencement and walk is complete, social distancing guidelines must continue.

If weather interferes, the grand march will be at 8:30 p.m. on June 20 and the graduation at 7 p.m. on June 23. If this does happen, the awards and scholarship ceremony will still take place on June 21 virtually.

Buchholz said the response has already been very positive and both parents and students have been appreciative of this alternative.

'We appreciate the support we have already received from both students and parents as we continue to work through these crazy times,” Buchholz said.