Paris, Tenn.–Graduation 2020 will be unique this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines have been issued for Friday evening’s Henry County High School graduation, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29 at Patriot Stadium.
The ceremony also will be live streamed on the HCHS Facebook page.
There was a great turnout for graduation ticket pickup Tuesday, even with sideways rain that prompted school officials to take shelter. Eligible graduates who did not come Tuesday should make plans for pick up on Thursday from 9-11 am.
Meanwhile, school officials said, “We love our families and want to do all we can to protect them. If you are vulnerable or considered high risk, you should evaluate your circumstances and determine if attending the ceremony in person is in the best interest of everyone concerned. At high risk for COVID-19 are the elderly, individuals with disabilities, individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, or immuno-compromised persons. Rather than attending in person, we highly encourage these individuals to take advantage of our live stream via HCHS’s Facebook page beginning at 7:30 p.m. on May 29th. Stay home, stay safe.”
Graduation is quickly approaching! In order to protect the community, school officials are asking individuals not to attend graduation if any of the following questions can be answered yes:
Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
Have you had a new loss of taste or smell?
Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?
Have you traveled internationally?
Have you traveled to a domestic hot spot?
If yes, please stay safely home and view the graduation ceremony on Facebook.
School officials are asking for those attending the ceremony:
Wear face masks as recommended by the State of Tennessee and the CDC. Face masks can be obtained at the Henry County Health Department.
If needed, use hand sanitizer, which will be available at entrance areas.
Practice social distancing by giving neighbors at least six feet of space as you enter and exit the stadium.
Photo: Taking shelter from the rain while handing out graduation tickets are from left, David Webb, Kelly Paschall, SRO Calvin Dumas and Velvet Arnold. HCHS photo.