Holden to Hold Graduation With Safeguards in Place

The Holden R-III District is moving forward with plans for a traditional graduation ceremony this weekend.

Below is information that was sent to the graduates and their families, and it includes procedures for social distancing in light of the ongoing COVID pandemic.

“We are excited to celebrate our 2020 graduates in person on Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m. at Holden High School!” said district personnel.

Please read the following thoroughly so you and your family are prepared as commencement will be somewhat different due to current social distancing guidelines.

Sanitation stations will be available throughout the school entrance, gym, and cafeteria.

Masks are strongly recommended. Social distancing between families will be encouraged in the gym with overflow seating available in the cafeteria, as usual.

Facebook will be utilized to stream the ceremony live to the cafeteria and for those family members who would like to watch from home.

Since there will be no rehearsal, graduates need to arrive by 1 p.m. and report to the band room to take roll and to receive ceremony procedural information.

Also at 1 p.m., doors will open for family and friends. In order to have expanded seating and adhere to distancing measures, the HHS band will not be playing, nor will the HHS choir perform.

Recorded music will be used. The R-III Board of Education president will present each graduate with their personalized diploma cover as they are announced and walk across the stage.

Following their walk, graduates will proceed outside to meet up with their family members at the conclusion of the ceremony.

“We know it is an imperfect situation, but are glad we are able to proceed with the ceremony on July 12,” say district personnel.

“We look forward to everyone coming together safely to honor the class of 2020!”