Vienna High School moving forward with June graduation plans

By Laura Schiermeier, Staff Writer
Posted 6/3/20

VIENNA — Vienna High School Principal Ian Murray is among those at the school district planning to have a very nice graduation ceremony for the 33 members of the VHS Class of 2020. The ceremony …

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Vienna High School moving forward with June graduation plans

Posted

VIENNA — Vienna High School Principal Ian Murray is among those at the school district planning to have a very nice graduation ceremony for the 33 members of the VHS Class of 2020. The ceremony will be different from what the community is accustomed to, but it will be a nice end of high school ceremony for the seniors.

At the Maries R-1 School Board’s May meeting, Murray said at this time they are planning on having graduation on Friday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vienna Ballpark on the upper baseball diamond. Graduation practice will be held that morning at 9 a.m. at the ballpark. If there is bad weather on June 19, the VHS graduation will be held the following day, on Saturday, June 20 at the Ballpark.

Murray said the Phelps-Maries Health Department helped them establish the best way to set it up to have a safe graduation in compliance with CDC and health department guidelines. The infield of the ball diamond will be seating (bring your own lawn chair) for immediate family of the members of the Class of 2020. It may be partitioned off and separated in some way. The outfield area will be for other family and friends. People need to bring their own lawn chairs. Also, those who attend are asked to follow CDC guidelines and practice social distancing and consider wearing a mask.

Murray said this graduation will be longer than usual because they will announce the scholarships and other achievements of each senior as they rise to receive their diploma. This usually is done at the annual senior assembly, which was not held this year due to the coronavirus and limits on the number of people gathered at a location.

School Board President Cindy Petershagen asked Murray how this event can be regulated to ensure safety. Board member Mike Kleffner suggested roping off the infield area. Murray said, “I will make sure our kids are six feet apart,” adding that he will not patrol families, but will keep the seniors safe.

Also in his report to the school board, Murray said prom is set for June 13 but the health department said that is too soon and they have pushed it back to July 11. “It may not happen,” he said, but they need to see if things change with the coronavirus. There are so many unknowns with planning right now. The students asked about trying to use the Knights Hall for the prom because it has air conditioning. Murray said he just doesn’t know about prom.

The eighth grade promotion will not happen this year, he said.

On June 1, the sports teams slowly will begin opening up their seasons. It will be a slow start and there are many things they have to do to try to keep the athletes safe. Some sports are more restrictive such as basketball where athletes basically can only practice skills but can’t play a game because of the close physical contact. The outdoor sports are easier and they hope to begin practice and have games in mid June or July.

Board member Penny Schoene asked if the players will sign a waiver saying the school district is not responsible. Murray said they have told them playing on the team is optional and if the athlete or their parents don’t feel comfortable, then don’t come as it’s not required.

The high school did not have the annual sports ceremony but the coaches did a video they will put out.