Graduation Set for July 24

Graduation Set for July 24
Graduation

UPDATE 7:20 p.m.:
Unfortunately, it looks as if it will be closer to 8 p.m. before the rain ends and we can begin seating families. The doors will open once the rain has stopped. When families are seated, graduation will begin. The ceremony start time could be as late as 9 p.m.

Friday, July 24, 2020
8:30 p.m.
Historic Stone Castle

LIVE STREAM
 

Graduation for the Tennessee High School Class of 2020 will be held on Friday, July 24, at 8 p.m. in the Historic Stone Castle. As we continue to note in our district communications related to COVID-19, we work closely with the Sullivan County Health Department to make the most informed decisions possible based on the most current public health guidance. At this time, we are confident in moving forward with a traditional graduation ceremony with a number of additional safety measures in place.However, as with all public gatherings since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the details of this event are subject to change.

We will continue to provide updates on social media and this web page as they become available. Please note the following:

  • Participation in graduation ceremonies is optional. Every graduate will be recognized, regardless of his or her presence at the ceremony. The event will be also be streamed live for those who cannot attend.
  • Gates will open at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 8 p.m.
  • Guests are asked to arrive in their family group and not line up to enter until the entire group has arrived. Guests will be asked to line up on a white X with groups appropriately distanced. Family groups will be escorted to seating that is socially distanced six feet apart by groups. We only have space for seating based on these guidelines. We ask that families refrain from contact with others outside the family group.
  • In order to maintain social distancing upon entry, we ask that families of graduates with last names beginning with the letters A-G enter the school/press box side of the stadium. Guests of graduates with last names beginning with H-Z should enter through the Weaver Pike gate.
  • Masks are required for all those in attendance at graduation and will be provided if needed, as outlined in Sullivan County Executive Order One issued on July 10.
  • Once inside Stone Castle, attendees are asked to limit movement as much as possible.
  • No individual should attend graduation ceremonies if they feel ill, particularly with a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, and/or loss of taste or smell. People with compromised immune systems should not attend the ceremony. 
  • Upon completion of the ceremony, graduates will be escorted back inside Tennessee High School, and guests will be asked to leave the Stone Castle. No one will be allowed on the field after the ceremony.
  • Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, at 8 p.m. are the back-up dates should the event need to be rescheduled due to rain.
  • If you are under quarantine due to COVID-19, we ask that you please watch this event online at https://youtu.be/LkHzNexINj8 or live, locally on BTES Power 7 channel 7 and in HD on channel 207.
  • There will be a photo area set-up for graduates in front of the school all day on Friday until 6 p.m. No photos will be permitted with graduates inside the stadium following the ceremony.

Graduate-Specific Information

  • Graduation practice will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 24. Students should attend practice if they plan to participate in the ceremony.
  • No guests will be permitted at practice. Only graduates and staff members will be allowed.
  • Graduates are required to wear a mask during graduation practice. A mask will be provided.
  • Graduates should arrive for the ceremony at 7 p.m.
  • All graduates will be required to wear the mask provided at practice while in line, as entering the Stone Castle, and while exiting the Stone Castle. Graduates may remove the mask while seated six feet apart on the field and as they cross the stage to receive their diploma.
  • Upon arrival at graduation, graduates' temperatures will be checked, they will answer a series of COVID-19-related screening questions, and they will have hands sanitized. Graduates should not attend graduation ceremonies if they feel ill, particularly with a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, and/or loss of taste or smell. Individuals with compromised immune systems should not attend the ceremony. 
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