LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. — Graduation is 'a go' for Limestone County seniors, but this year things will be a little different.
The Alabama Superintendent of Education now allows schools to proceed with ceremonies this month, but with social distancing guidelines in place. Limestone County schools will hold their ceremonies on the dates they initially scheduled them.
Interim Superintendent Mike Owens says they're adhering to social distancing by having graduation held outside. "The big difference is that instead of having them in the gymnasium, we'll have them outside in our football stadium," says Owens.
About 700 senior students will graduate. Six ceremonies will take place throughout May 19th, 21st & 22nd.
Owens says the football fields were limited to one side for past graduation ceremonies.
"For social distancing purposes, we're going to use the home and the away or the visitors side," says Owens.
Owens says families will sit 6 feet apart. He also suggests they take necessary steps to protect their health. "We will not be supplying masks, but we hope everyone comes with a mask. And we won't turn anybody away if they don't have the mask," says Owens.
The number of guests who can attend has changed. Students will receive 8 tickets during rehearsal. "If some particular graduate doesn't have 8 people that they need, then pass those on to another one of their graduating seniors."
Owens says rehearsal is usually the morning of graduation. He says students usually interlock arms or hold hands during the procession. Now, students will walk parallel to each other at six feet.
"We want them to remember this, 40,50,60 years from now...It's a high point for everyone and we want to make it as memorable as we can even under these trying circumstances," says Owens.
If there is inclement weather, Limestone County Schools plan to postpone the ceremonies to May 26th, 28th, & 29th.
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