Changes made to BRHS graduation, Grand March protocols

Thu, 05/27/2021 - 12:30pm

Boothbay Region High School Dean of Students Allan Crocker announced Thursday, the previous COVID-19 restrictions limiting the graduation and Grand March have been lifted.

"What this means in terms of graduation is that we will not have to limit the number of people allowed to attend and we do not have to 'pod' members of the same household," said Crocker in a letter to seniors and parents/guardians.

Awards Night will be moved from the afternoon to the evening of Wednesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. in the BRHS gym. Friends and family are welcome to attend but must wear a mask at all times.

Grand March is still scheduled for Thursday, June 10 at 8 p.m. on Sherman Field and the rain date is June 11 at 8 p.m. on Sherman Field. Attendance is not restricted but anyone who has not been vaccinated will need to wear a mask while attending. Parents will enter the marching area before the graduates as in years past and sit in the chairs closest to the marching area. Other spectators can sit in the chairs provided beginning with the second row. If it rains on June 11, the Grand March will be moved to the BRHS gym at 8 p.m. and all in attendance will have to wear masks.

Graduation is still scheduled for Sherman Field at 2 p.m. Friday, June 11. In the event of poor weather, graduation will be moved into the BRHS gym and all in attendance will have to wear masks. Outside seating will be on a first come, first served basis, with preference given to families closest to the graduates. The grounds/facility will not be open to guests until 1 p.m.

"We are very excited to be able to share this time with more people than we originally thought," said Crocker. "We still plan to live stream the event (via BRTV) so that everyone near and far can join the celebration."

Class Day will be in the BRHS gym on Wednesday, June 9 at about 9:30 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend but must be masked. This event, too, will be recorded and broadcast by BRTV.

Like last year, a car parade will follow graduation. The parade will start at the school at about 4 p.m., proceed through the downtown area and to Boothbay Center, then end back at the school. Each graduate can have one car in the parade, according to Crocker.

The BRHS Class of 2021 will go to Millinocket June 11 for two days for its Project Graduation trip.