by Mike Knaak
news@thenewsleaders.com
The weather forecast will now determine where Sartell High School seniors graduate on Saturday, June 5.
If the weather forecast looks favorable on Thursday, May 27, the event will be at Sabre Stadium adjacent to Riverview Intermediate School. If the forecast indicates inclement weather, the event will move to the high school gymnasium. Principal Sascha Hansen will update plans once the weather forecast is reviewed on May 27.
In either case, the ceremony for more than 300 seniors will take place at 7:30 p.m. In compliance with Minnesota Department of Health regulations, students and spectators will be required to wear a mask at all times.
Hansen shared the plans and other details in a communication to seniors and their families.
Earlier, school leaders planned for the outdoor ceremony, but recent loosening of COVID-19 restrictions opened the option for an indoor ceremony. Last spring, COVID restrictions forced the event outside from its usual home in the high school gymnasium. Seniors celebrated with a drive-in event at the high school parking lot.
Here’s a list of school sponsored senior events:
Senior Awards Night, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 26. This event will be livestreamed. Scholarship and award recipients will be invited to attend the event in-person at Sartell High School Performing Arts Center.
Senior Pizza Party and laptop turn-in, 12:45-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, after finals on the high school front lawn.
Mandatory graduation rehearsal, approximately 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 2.
Senior parent committee events:
Senior Graduation Party, 6-10 p.m. Thursday, June 3, Sabre Stadium.
Senior Parade, Friday, June 4. More information to come.
“The Senior Graduation Committee has worked extremely hard over the past month to organize surveys to gather input from students and their families,” Hansen wrote to parents. “We cannot wait to celebrate the class of 2021 and all of their accomplishments. We will continue to monitor the weather forecast, guidelines set by the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health, and make adjustments as needed. We appreciate your understanding, flexibility and support as we navigate planning for the seniors.
