The HCHS Graduating Class of 2020 will have two opportunities to celebrate their graduation. Due to continued CDC and state guidelines on large gatherings, the district had to get creative in coming up with a solution to honor the seniors. “From the moment school was closed due to COVID 19, we have been trying to come up with an acceptable and special way to make sure the seniors get to experience their special day”, explained Superintendent Josh Page. “We all know how important Graduation and everything Graduation Day means to the seniors, their parents, their families, and the community so we did our best to make sure that happened. After listening to the seniors and their families, it became apparent that we needed to do something small for the seniors and their immediate family on their scheduled Graduation date of May 16 as well as choose another date later in the summer where we could have a traditional graduation where everyone in the community will be invited”, added Mr. Page.
Below are the dates and schedule of events.
Saturday, May 16 at 2:20
*Each senior and their family will decorate a vehicle or flatbed. The seniors will wear their cap and gown in a parade around town while the community comes out of their houses to recognize the seniors. Residents of Harding County and any other out-of-towners are welcome to park in the old gym parking lot as well as the football field and rodeo arena parking lot to recognize the seniors.
*The parade will start at the school where each senior will receive their diploma from Mr. Page-Superintendent, Mr. Messmer-Principal, and Mr. Glines-President of School Board. This will only be for the senior and their immediate family, but the ceremony will be broadcast on FacebookLive as well as being covered by the Nations Center News with pictures of each student receiving their diploma.
Sunday, June 28 at 2:20 (tentative and subject to change)
*Traditional graduation in the new gym or football field with the entire community invited.
*Baccalaureate will also take place on this date at 11:00 in the gym.
*Please be aware that this date and ceremony is under the assumption the CDC, state and local guidelines will allow schools to have gatherings of this size.
*The school district will send out further information regarding the traditional graduation when it gets closer.