By: Donovan W. Mann – donovanm@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – Humboldt High School Class of 2020 will get an in-person graduation with limited attendance as COVID-19 restrictions loosen.
Humboldt High School is going forward with the in-person graduation ceremony. After COVID-19 resulted in many senior moments being taken from the class of 2020 an in person commencement ceremony will be held. High School Principal Lori Westoff shares the details with KHBT.
The scheduled date is Sunday June 21 according to Westoff at Mason Maach Field. Attendance will be limited due to COVID-19 just to parents and step parents. Each student will be allowed two tickets for their parents and then in case of step parents any additional tickets needed will be given out. The ceremony starts at 2 pm. Westoff confirms if weather is not favorable for graduation that day the makeup date will be Tuesday June 23 at 6:30 pm.
Live streaming the event might not be an option but KHBT will have a live broadcast of the entire ceremony. Westoff says people have asked if there will be a YouTube or other live stream available with limited attendance allowed. However, the lack of internet on the football field will hinder the possibilities of one. KHBT will be providing the whole ceremony on air, which Westoff recognizes as a good option.
The original date of graduation was May 24 and the initial plan was to hold a virtual ceremony but the seniors spoke out to request an in-person ceremony. Westoff says she is glad they waited. She recognizes that the ceremony will not be quite the same due to modifications but is glad they get to hold it. None the less she is happy the school will be able to give the seniors a sense of closure.
While the class of 2020 has missed out on quite a few senior moments the school honored their request for an in person graduation. For those allowed to attend gates will open at 1:30 pm the day of the ceremony. KHBT will broadcast the service in its entirety live on-air.