District 55 Announces Graduation Schedule, Protocols
A New Chapter for Laurens District 55 High School’s Class of 2024
The excitement is building for families and students alike in Laurens, as District 55 announces the graduation schedule and protocols for the Class of 2024. The momentous event will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at K.C. Hanna Stadium at 9 a.m.
According to the district, the graduates must arrive at school no later than 8 a.m. on the day of the ceremony, and report to their designated classrooms. Graduates who drive themselves are required to enter the premises through the bus gate off of Hwy. 76 and will be directed where to park. Meanwhile, graduates arriving with family members will enter through the main gate or gate 5.
Arrival and Seating Arrangements
Parking gates will open to the public at 7:30 a.m and seating at K.C. Hanna Stadium will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Gates to the stadium will open at 8 a.m. It’s important to note that in case inclement weather forces the ceremony indoors, only holders of gold tickets will be valid and the ceremony will be moved to the Main Gymnasium.
Tickets and Live-Stream Viewing
Each graduate will receive their graduation tickets, 9 in total (5 gold and 4 green) at graduation practice on May 30, and must attend the practice to be able to participate in the ceremony on May 31. The district has confirmed that the entire graduation ceremony will be live-streamed, making it accessible to family and friends who are unable to attend in person.
Childcare and Facilities
Understanding the needs of families, District 55 will provide childcare for infants through to third graders in an auxiliary gymnasium. However, parents must drop the children off before entering the stadium, as re-admission will require an additional intact/untorn graduation ticket.
Protocols for the Ceremony
To ensure a memorable and respectful occasion, guests are required to follow several rules. Cell phones and other devices should be silenced, and photography is only permitted from the seating areas. Guests will also enter through metal detectors due to a clear bag policy.
The district stipulates that attendees leave all personal belongings which could cause disruption such as umbrellas, balloons, or flowers outside the stadium. Handicapped parking and a dedicated seating section will be provided, but saving seats will not be allowed.
Graduate Guidelines
For the graduates, the district detailed several instructions such as the correct wearing of the mortarboards and the color of their graduation attire. A key point includes discouragement of any personal items in the ceremony’s area, advising students to leave them in their acting classrooms instead.
Under these guidelines, District 55 looks forward to a wonderful and organized graduation ceremony for its 2024 graduates.
