By: Gabby Palacios and Heaven Marquez
As the end of the school year comes around the corner, PHS staff, faculty, and 2021 seniors prepare for this year’s graduation ceremony. Due to the circumstances of this year and the recent changes to the mask requirements, PHS has made adjustments to the guidance for graduates and their families.
The gates will open at 6:00 pm for guests attending the ceremony, and all will enter at the main entrance gate. Guests are highly encouraged to bring a water bottle. Balloons and other distracting items, including but not limited to air horns, silly string, beach balls, etc., are not allowed. Flower deliveries for graduates will be accepted from 6:00-7:00 pm at the visitor’s gate closest to the field house. PHS administration asks that all guests be seated immediately upon entering the stadium to secure their seats. Those attending will not be allowed to stand along the railing in the stands to take photos or to watch graduates enter since this blocks the view of other guests. In the event of inclement weather, each graduate will be allowed a maximum of 6 guests, and the ceremony will be moved into the New Sports Complex Gym.
The 2021 graduates are expected to be in dress code and in their assigned rooms before 7:00 pm on the day of the ceremony, Friday, June 14. Doors will open at 6:15 pm and each graduate will have a specific entrance depending on their assigned rooms. Graduates must not bring any personal items into the school building before the ceremony as they will not return afterward. Masks are optional in the school building and on the field. For students who choose to wear a mask, one will be provided. You are not allowed to wear your own.
Although the ceremony will be open to all, with no limit on guests per graduate, PISD encourages any individuals in high-risk groups for Covid-19 to not attend the ceremony. The ceremony will be live streamed and links to watch will be posted on the PISD and PHS websites and Facebook pages.
This year flew by in the blink of an eye, and graduation will be here before we know it. Congratulations to all 2021 PHS seniors. Good luck to all as you enter the next chapter of your life. PRIDE PRIDE!
