Local graduation ceremonies planned and in the works

A mass and cap and gown ceremony will be held at Holy Family Parish. McCoy has 115 graduates.

Principal Paul Bauche says one of the most exciting changes is that these restrictions allow grads to have two guests at the event. He says that was something that was unachievable based on restrictions that were in place before.

The ceremony is on Friday, June 25 starting at 3:30. It will also be recorded and live-streamed online.

“The fire code capacity allows us to have over 400 people at one-third of the capacity of places of worship so we are well within that range by having the graduating students and two other people, we’re well below that number,” Bauche said. “So we can make that work within the restrictions and fire code restrictions within the church quite nicely.”

As for grads and the formal wear portion, there will be no reception.

But Bauche says grads will be able to take photos with their family cohort on Saturday, June 19 in their dresses and suits.

A grad back-drop will be set up and McCoy High School and families can book a photo time for those keepsakes.

Meantime, Prairie Rose Public Schools have two celebrations planned for its graduating students at Eagle Butte High School.

Wednesday, June 23 will be a formal day for grads. Grade 12 students can wear their gowns and suits to school and enjoy photos, awards, and food.

On Friday, June 25, a cap and gown ceremony will be held at the Cypress Centre. Students will get to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas and can invite up to three guests each.

Eagle Butte principal Mark Heinricks says the grads deserve a celebration.

“All our grads work really hard to get to this point and having survived COVID, we’re just happy we’re able to provide them with something,” Heinricks said. “Hopefully the restrictions don’t change on us again but that’s our goal anyway, to be able to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Masking and social distancing rules still apply to both celebrations.

As for Medicine Hat Public School Division, Hat High is doing smaller grad ceremonies at the end of June in the Hub, similar to last year. MHPSD says the school communicated that information to graduates and families last week.

Plans for Crescent Heights High School grad ceremony are in the works according to a statement from the school. It reads:

“Graduation planning is underway and we are in the process of gathering feedback from students, staff, and families. After we have compiled the survey results the grad committee will consider the findings and make plans to proceed. We look forward to sharing our plan with graduates as soon as possible.” -Shonna Barth, CHHS Vice Principal

by Chantal Wagner/Teagan Rasche

Local graduation ceremonies planned and in the works

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