Ken McLemore
HOPE – Plans to move Hope High School graduation back to Hammons Stadium and to hold an historic “outdoor prom” at HHS have given both spring events a new lifeline in the era of COVID-19.
HHS Principal Bill Hoglund said both plans were developed through collaborations by students, teachers and administrators at HHS.
“It all seemed to fit together,” Hoglund told the HPS Board at its March meeting. “I think they came up with a great plan.”
He said the only caveats rest with the weather and any state mandates regarding large gatherings.
“As far as graduation on May 14, we will decide that day,” Hoglund said. “We will go to the next day at 6 p.m. and so on until we have a graduation ceremony.”
He said he hoped to keep the graduation celebration contained within the weekend from May 14-16 so that out of town guests could attend.
Graduation plan
Hoglund said the graduation plan revolves around four elements:
--Outdoor seating at Hammons Stadium and on the football field will provide sufficient social distancing for graduates and guests.
--The HHS Bobcat Band will also be seated on the football field behind the graduating class using social distancing. The band will perform the National Anthem, HHS Fight Song and the HHS Alma Mater.
--Graduates will be allowed between 5 and 10 guests each, depending upon the final size of the graduating class.
--HerffJones Company will also provide a live Facebook stream of the commencement exercises for others who cannot attend because of capacity rules or travel.
Prom plan
“Midnight Memories” will be the theme of the 2021 HHS prom, which is set for April 17 from 6-8 p.m. at Hammons Stadium.
Tickets are currently available through April 16 and will be sold as single tickets only. Prom tickets are $15 per person and prom photos are $5 each. Tickets and photos are to be reserved through HHS Student Council Advisor Sheila Hopson. Students must have a reliable email address for Hopson to send tickets the day of the prom, she said.
Tickets will be available to HHS and Hope Collegiate Academy junior and senior students only and security will be onsite to enforce the rule.
Prom activities will move to the MAC Indoor Practice Facility in the event of inclement weather and circulating fans will be used for ventilation.
Prom protocols include:
--Students will be met at the MAC Center door and issued a souvenir mask which they will be required to wear. Yearbook pictures will be taken at the time.
--Social distancing is to be maintained and tables will reflect the practice.
--A water bottle table will be provided for hydration.
--Dancing will be on the playing field.
Teachers and administrators will supervise during the celebration and music will be provided via a Neptune system with some musical choices for students. Prom arrival filming is also planned for social media streaming.