Graduation plans begin to take shape

A second year of pandemic graduations are being planned by local high schools. While not all the details have been finalized due to the ever-changing nature of COVID-19, some districts have an idea of their plans.

Royal High School

Royal High School is looking at two possible ceremonies, depending on what phase Grant County is in at the time, according to Royal High School Principal Courtney McCoy. Royal’s graduation will take place at 7 p.m. June 4.

“We’re not moving June 4th,” McCoy said. “It’s going to happen.”

Both ceremonies include a car parade, a graduation event started last year, prior to the ceremony.

“It was really well received,” McCoy said. “I believe it will always happen - pandemic or no pandemic.”

If the county continues in Phase 3, a socially distanced ceremony, including the traditional speeches, will be held. Graduates will be spaced three feet apart, staff six feet apart, with band members nine feet apart.

Each graduate will get two tickets for family or friends. Additional seating will be available in the home and away stands of the stadium. All people allowed into the stadium area will be required to fill out a wellness attestation and wear a mask. District staff will sanitize the area, as well.

If the county is pushed back into Phase 2, a more restricted ceremony will be held.

“If we get worse between now and then, we may have to put the kibosh on the ceremony,” McCoy said. “We’ll go to what we did last year. Hopefully that’s not necessary.”

Wahluke High School

Wahluke High School’s graduation has been set for 6 p.m. June 18. It is also planning a graduation parade, similar to what it did last year.

“We had great reviews from community members, families, and the seniors about the event,” said Wahluke High School Principal Cody Marlow. “Specific details on the route and time are not finalized yet.”

The district is planning three different models for the ceremony, including indoor, outdoor and drive-up.

“We are following the guidelines set forth by the state and GCHD (Grant County Health District,) but wanted to keep our options open in case we open up more by the time June rolls around,” Marlow said. “Our graduation is scheduled for Friday, June 18th at 6pm and we intend to keep that date and time regardless of the model.”

Othello High School

Othello High School’s graduation is June 4. According to Kim Andrews, an Othello High School counselor, no other details are known. However, she said graduates are hoping for an in-person graduation.