Belatedly, local seniors enter final week of their high school careers

The plans are in place and soon the stage will be set for 444 local high school seniors to walk across it at Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy. In-person graduation will take place at 8 p.m. this Friday, July 31.

The ceremony for members of the Class of 2020 at Habersham Central High School and the Success Academy was originally scheduled in May, but administrators postponed it due to COVID-19. Graduation will cap off an unprecedented school year that saw students complete their final months of high school classes online and forced the cancellation of major milestone events such as senior trips, prom, honors night, and more.

HCHS Principal Jonathan Stribling says he’s looking forward to celebrating with seniors during this, their final week, and especially at Commencement Friday night.

“This class has worked extremely hard, persevered through unprecedented times, and deserves their procession into the stadium and their walk across the stage to receive their diploma,” says Stribling.

Before that happens, the soon-to-be graduates have some other things to do. Here’s a list of events scheduled for seniors this week:

Tuesday, July 28th

1-4 p.m.: Academic Regalia and yearbook Distribution at Habersham Central High School

4-7 p.m.: Raider Stadium gates will be unlocked so graduates may enter with their families and take pictures. Appropriate social distancing will be possible at this event. Face coverings are recommended

Thursday, July 30th

8 a.m.: Graduation practice. Social distancing will be observed and face coverings are encouraged. Face coverings will be available for graduates desiring one.

Friday, July 31st

8 a.m. – Graduation practice. Social distancing will be observed and face coverings are encouraged. Face coverings will be available for graduates desiring one.

8:45 a.m.: Parents/Guardians will be allowed in the stadium and select awards and recognitions will be presented to graduates. Appropriate social distancing will be possible at this event and face coverings for those in attendance are encouraged.

8 p.m.: Graduation in Raider Stadium. Please refer to the 2020 Graduation Plan at www.habershamschools.com that was reviewed and endorsed by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Details include 4 tickets per graduate and, for the safety of graduates, the field must remain closed before and after the ceremony.