As we continue forward into this era of uncertainty, we remain humbly committed to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating Class of 2020.  The plan included in this notification is in full compliance with the requirements established by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education.  It has, in its entirety, been approved by the Shelby County Health Department.  

In addition to the in-person experience, a radio broadcast of the ceremony will be aired on WSVZ Cruisin’ 98.3 thanks to the Miller Media Group.  A professional videographer will also collect comprehensive footage that will be shared freely after its final composition.   Listed below are the specific event details for your review. 


Graduation Ceremony 

Saturday, July 25, 2020 

High School Football Field 

4:00pm (we may temporarily postpone the timing in the event of inclement weather)  (moving the ceremony inside the gymnasium is not an option under the current restrictions) 

Music and Sound Equipment provided by Sound Source Music Center  (the band will not be playing this year) 

Radio Broadcasting provided by Miller Media Group 

Floral Display provided by Late Bloomer on Main 

Professional Videography provided by Kylie Daniel 

Professional Photography provided by Jamie McDonald



Event Expectations 

Please understand that full compliance is both expected and appreciated.  This has required a considerable amount of coordination, and we have done everything we can to make this ceremonial experience possible for our senior level students. 

There will be designated sections of seating partitioned off with flagging tape on the football field.  Guests may select their seating preference, but no more than 50 people will be allowed in any specific section of space.  All sections will be separated by 30 feet of spacing per the outdoor social distancing requirements.  Within each section, individuals are encouraged to follow the social distancing recommendation of 6 feet of separation between individuals/families.  There exists no limit on the amount of guests that are allowed to attend this outdoor experience, so long as all current health and safety requirements are followed by all attendees.      

Use of PPE equipment, including mandatory face masks, will be required for all in attendance at the event.  Students and event facilitators will be excluded from this expectation when upon they enter the stage area to receive their diploma.  All individuals attending the event will have their temperature taken by school support staff prior to being granted permission to enter the reserved area.  Any individual with a temperature recorded above 100.4 will not be allowed to enter the field area.  

IDPH reminders and recommendations for health and public safety will be posted for public viewing at the entrance and within each public grouping.   

USHERS will be directing all foot traffic during the event and assigning seating to specific groups.  They will be responsible for keeping track of group size and social distancing.  Event organizers will be responsible for taking the temperature of all those wishing to enter the graduation area.  Students will be dismissed “first” after the conclusion of the event followed by specific public seating groups in an intentional attempt to minimize contact after the experience.  Each section of seating will be dismissed after the conclusion of the event in an intentional attempt to prevent a mass gathering after the experience.  

Diplomas will not be issued on the stage per ISBE recommendation.  Seniors will be directed to pick up their diploma and their senior athletic poster at the school entrance area after they have been dismissed from the field.  

NOTES FOR GRADUATING SENIORS - EVENT PLANNING

Scheduled pictures that will be taken on the day of graduation 

Top Ten - Valedictorian & Salutatorian - Students of the Month - Student of the Year  

Tassels should be worn on the left side.  Students will ceremonially move their tassels to the right side during the ceremony. 

Absolutely NO DECORATED CAPS.  If you want to keep your specific cap, write your name on the interior somewhere.  Keep in mind that you all will be throwing them in the air toward the end of the ceremony. 

Seniors in National Honor Society will wear their NHS cords and a specialized tassle during the ceremony.  There are no other cords or tassels that are approved for the ceremony without the prior approval of the building administration.  

Seating will be assigned for all graduating students.  

The Valedictorian and Salutatorian will give a speech during the ceremony.  Both individuals have been informed of this responsibility. 

A detailed sequence of events will be shared once it is finalized. 

Specific groups that will be recognized during the ceremony 

TOP TEN - STUDENTS OF THE MONTH - STUDENTS ENTERING THE MILITARY - VALEDICTORIAN & SALUTATORIAN 

Junior Marshals will lead graduates during the ceremony. 

Graduation Practice (Revised): Friday, July 24, 2020. 1:00pm-2:30pm