The graduation ceremony for Wawasee High School Class of 2020 will be held on Warrior Field at 10 a.m., July 18, 2020.  InkFreeNews photo by Nick Goralczyk

By Wawasee High School Principal Geoff Walmer
Guest Writer

Wawasee High School is excited to host a memorable graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 while providing a safe environment that follows social distancing guidelines. Wawasee Community School Corporation is grateful for the partnership with the Kosciusko County Health Department in creating the following plan.

The graduation ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18. It will be held on Warrior Field. The alternate dates will be Sunday, July 19; Saturday, July 25; Sunday, July 26; Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2 with 10 a.m. as the starting time for each day. If an alternate date is needed, communication will be made to students and guardians via ParentSquare as well as through media release.

Each graduate will be issued four tickets to provide to family members. Graduates will receive their tickets during rehearsal at 10 a.m., July 17. Graduates are not to share their tickets with other graduates.

Graduates must attend rehearsal in order to walk during the ceremony unless otherwise approved by WHS administration. Graduates should bring a mask to wear during times when they may come 6 feet within another student. Masks are not required during the ceremony but are recommended. Graduates should wear their cap and gown to rehearsal as pictures will be taken that morning. Images will be available for purchase via Midsouth Images at www.midsouthimages.com.

Graduates should report to the Wawasee High School baseball field prior to the graduation ceremony no later than 9 a.m.

Gates will open prior to the ceremony at 9 a.m. for family members to enter Warrior Field. Tickets are required for entrance. Seating will take place on Warrior Field. Seats will be pre-arranged in groups of four, with 6 feet between each group of chairs. Family members of different graduates should not sit together in the same group of four chairs. Handicap seating for those in wheelchairs will be available on the home-side bleachers, across from the stage. While entering and exiting Warrior Field, we ask that all family members respect social distancing guidelines. The wearing of masks is recommended. Any person experiencing flu-like symptoms or other forms of COVID-19 related symptoms are not to attend. Any person who fits within the most vulnerable population of COVID-19 or has any compromising issues is recommended to watch the ceremony as it is streamed live online.

While traditional ceremonies encourage professional attire, WHS administration recognizes a need for comfortable attire in the July heat. Those in attendance are encouraged to dress comfortably, whether that be shorts and short sleeves or sundresses, while still maintaining honor for the graduates. Water is allowed on the turf field and attendees are encouraged to bring water. Other liquids and foods, including gum, are not allowed on the turf. WHS is proud to have such beautiful facilities, including a turf field, and is thankful for your assistance in keeping them in great condition. Wawasee High School PTO will be providing water to guests as they enter. Each guest may have one bottle should they desire. PTO members will wear masks and gloves while distributing the water. WHS PTO would like to thank Rabb Water Systems for donating all the water.

While names are announced during the ceremony, family members are asked to hold their applause and cheers until all names have been announced. This will ensure each graduate and their family members are able to hear as their name is announced.

The WHS graduation ceremony will be streamed live through the school’s Youtube Channel, CPGTV. You can access the channel through the following website: www.youtube.com/cpgtv.