From The Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT — Center Point High School Principal Van Phillips, Sr., sent a letter to the graduating class of 2020.
In the letter titled, “We have another chance,” Phillips laid out plans for this year’s commencement. Groups of students will be honored while practicing social distancing.
The letter also outlines guidelines for students and parents. The entire letter can be read below.
Dear Graduating Seniors:
Congratulations on being a 2020 Center Point High School graduating senior! You have adhered to your academic expectations despite the immediate intrusiveness of COVID-19 and its strict demands for your safety and security. Graduating from high school remains an important milestone in your lives, and the faculty and staff at Center Point High School commend you for your success.
Although this 2020 graduation ceremony will be unlike any other graduation ceremony in the past, we will maintain the tradition of having a graduation ceremony while respecting the required practice of social distancing and the banning of large gatherings. Therefore, we will ensure that our graduating seniors receive the recognition that they have earned in an environment that is safe. We anticipate that the occasion will be highly appreciated and will also be memorable for the Class of 2020.
This letter provides the graduating seniors as well as the parents of the graduating seniors information regarding appropriate graduation behaviors, dress expectations and procedures that must be followed during the 2020 graduation ceremony.
Dress Expectations
Graduation 2020 will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2020, at the football stadium. Graduating seniors must be formally dressed when they arrive at Center Point High School and all outstanding debts must be paid. All seniors must have a cap and gown to participate in the graduation ceremony. Girls must wear a dark blue or a black dress or skirt and blouse. Dress shoes are required and they must be black. Earrings should not dangle or be gaudy. The graduation cap may be secured with bobbie pins, but cannot be decorated.
Boys are to wear a white shirt, navy blue or black slacks, a necktie or a bowtie that is appropriate for graduation, and black dress shoes and socks. Boys are not allowed to wear headbands or do-rags. Tennis shoes, flip-flops, shorts and clothing that do not meet the guidelines for graduation cannot be worn. Students who are inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Behavior Expectations
Students must exhibit appropriate behavior. Students who fail to follow the procedures outlined or exhibit improper behavior at the graduation ceremony will be removed from participation and the awarding of their diploma will be delayed. Cheering, screaming, or any sign of individual recognition is inappropriate, is rude and is not allowed during the dignified ceremony. Applause is prohibited until the end of the group graduation ceremony. Floral or balloon bouquets are not allowed in the building.
Graduation Procedures
- Graduating seniors will be assembled in groups of 10 and will practice social distancing.
- Each graduating group will be assigned a specific time to arrive to the school parking lot.
- Each graduating group will arrive fifteen minutes prior to their graduation processional time.
- Each graduating senior may have four guests in attendance.
- Each graduating group and their guests will remain in the vehicle until directed to enter the building by an assigned staff member.
- Each graduating senior’s guests must remain together.
- Each graduating senior’s guests will be given direction and escorted to their location.
- Each graduating group will be directed to line up in the lobby of the gymnasium by the assigned staff member.
- The graduating group of honor graduates will be Group #1.
- Each graduating group will process to the Fine Arts Center when directed.
- Each graduating group will be directed to their assigned location.
- Each graduating senior will walk across the stage to receive his/her diploma and final transcript from Mr. Phillips when his/her name is called.
- Each graduating senior’s guests will be allowed to view their graduating senior walk across the stage.
- Each graduating senior will be photographed.
- Jefferson County Board of Education will provide a videographer to record the Center Point High School graduation ceremony.
- Each graduating group will be escorted from the Fine Arts Center to the exit door by the assigned group staff member.
- Each graduating group will vacate the building.
- Each graduating group of students will enter their respective vehicles and vacate the school campus.
- Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department will ensure that all graduation expectations are followed.
Congratulations, graduating seniors for completing your academic requirements, for graduating from high school and for advancing to the next stage of your life. May each of you have unrelenting Eagle success!
Van A. Phillips, Sr.
Principal