Graduation at the Coast Coliseum? Here are the options for Harrison County schools
The three high schools in the Harrison County School District announced plans for their graduation ceremonies with two options for graduates, including one that involves a program at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.
The school district said in a press release that it consulted with county and state leaders to formulate plans that would follow guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Tate Reeves and State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs have cautioned against large gatherings in the weeks and months ahead, but HCSD superintendent Roy Gill believes his district has come up with a formula that works.
“Harrison County School District would like to thank our parents and seniors for their patience as we have worked fearlessly through these unprecedented times,” Gill said in a press release. “We are so proud of each student, and our mission is to provide them with the best experience for graduation under the current conditions.”
First graduation option
Ceremonies for all three schools take place at the Coast Coliseum. D’Iberville is set for 6 p.m. on May 29. West Harrison follows at 10 a.m. on May 30, and Harrison Central’s event would take place later that day at 6 p.m.
Coast Coliseum staff would disinfect all areas after each ceremony.
Students will receive tickets in advance and are allowed to invite up to four people. Guests will have to present their tickets at the coliseum entrance and they will be required to sit 6 feet apart inside the arena, including family members from the same household.
Students will enter the convention center under social distancing protocols and will take part in a processional from the convention center to the coliseum. Once in the arena, graduate seating will again be separated by 6 feet to practice social distancing.
Traditional speeches will be delivered as planned and students will be called to the stage to receive their diploma cover, then return to their seats. After the program is finished, graduates will leave in a traditional procession and head to the exits.
Parents will be released section by section to meet their child outside. Students will return gowns the next week at their high school and receive a packet, which will include a diploma and a report card.
There is a live stream planned for the ceremony.
Second graduation option
Students are allowed to have private ceremonies on each high school’s campus with administration.
HCSD administration will set up times between May 20-22. Graduates can invite up to four people.
Administration will present diplomas and allow photos in gowns, which will be returned after each ceremony.
Photos will be used in the senior slide show that will be shown during the ceremony at the coliseum.
