The West Plains High School is set to provide a modified graduation ceremony with reduced numbers to comply with local and state ordinances and to observe safe interaction while providing the best possible ceremony for our graduates.
The Class of 2020 will have its commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m. at the Zizzer Stadium. This will allow the class of 2020 to graduate together at the football stadium. To comply with local rules, only six guests will be admitted. Each graduate will be issued seven (7) graduation tickets – one for the graduate and six for close family members or friends to attend the ceremony.
Tickets:
Tickets may be picked up in person only by the graduating student on May 27 and 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from the circle drive at the front of the high school. WPHS will determine the seating assignment for the ceremony. Each senior will receive a red ticket and the remaining six will be blue for family and friends. Gates will open at the designated time listed below. All members must arrive together and leave together. Due to social distancing guidelines, there are no exceptions to this procedure. Every person in attendance will need a ticket, including children and infants. Tickets are not transferrable to other graduates.
Receiving awards and recognitions:
At ticket pick up on May 27 and 28, each graduating student will be issued a packet with all medals, certificates, honor cords, and other items they are due to receive. There will be no charge for honor cords this year.
Below are some items to keep in mind about this year’s graduation:
Each family group of 7, including the graduate, will be assigned a designated box on the turf field of Zizzer Stadium.
In order to avoid a large lines for entry we are splitting the class into two alphabets:
Students with last names beginning A-M will enter the stadium through the main entrance and will park in the main lot located off Howell street.
Students with last names beginning N-Z will enter the stadium through the Northeast entrance and will park in the Middle School Parking lot or the Soccer field parking lot
Gates will open at 9:00 a.m.
Please follow the CDC social distancing guidelines with those other than them members of your party.
Rain Dates and Times:
In the event of inclement weather on Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m., the following back up times will be utilized: June 6, 2:00 p.m., June 6, 4:00 p.m. In the event those times are canceled due to weather, then we will move the ceremony to Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 p.m. Please follow the district Facebook page for updated inclement weather information.
Graduate dress:
The cap and gown do not completely cover your clothing. Therefore, gentlemen are expected to wear dress clothes, including a shirt with a collar and dress shoes with socks. Ladies are expected to wear dress clothes. Decorations of the cap are permissible so long as they represent the student’s college, military service branch, or trade school. All decorations must be tasteful and are subject to approval by the administration. The administrator(s) in charge will make the final decision about denying a graduating senior the privilege of participating in the ceremony due to inappropriate attire.
Behavior:
Unlike the receipt of a diploma, participation in graduation exercises is a privilege, not a right. End-of-the-year misconduct may result in loss of the privilege to participate in graduation exercises. Use common sense in your activities.
Any behavior during the ceremony which draws attention to you as an individual or detracts from the dignity of the ceremony will result in your immediate removal from the ceremony. Please do not embarrass your family, your school, or yourself.
Photographs:
All seniors are provided a free 5×7 “Diploma Presentation” photo, compliments of the West Plains R-7 Board of Education. It may be picked up along with your diploma in the upstairs office after June 29.
On-Line Viewing:
The ceremony will be live streamed through the Ozark Radio Network Facebook page so those unable to attend can view the festivities.
Prom:
Because of restrictions and in the interest of safety, this year’s prom has been postponed again. The rescheduled date is Friday, July 24, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center. This date is tentative and based on if the conditions exist to have a safe prom celebration. Tickets will be sold at the door.
