Alexandria Area High School’s Class of 2021 graduation ceremony will take place this Friday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the AAHS gymnasium.
Here’s the latest information from Principal Chad Duwenhoegger about the day’s activities:
10 a.m. – graduation rehearsal for all seniors.
11:15 a.m. – senior picnic for all seniors. Time to sign yearbooks; time for photos with friends; time for staff to connect with seniors.
5:30 p.m – graduation ceremony for all seniors
6:45 p.m. – time for seniors and families to take photos outside of AAHS.
7:40 p.m – begin staging for a processional at Discovery Middle School coordinated and led by the Alexandria Police Department.
8:15 p.m. – a vehicle processional begins at DMS and ends at the Runestone Community Center.
9 p.m. – Senior Graduation Party at the RCC.
Other updates and details from the district:
At rehearsal, a designated number of tickets will be given to every graduating senior for family and friends to attend the ceremony. Tickets are required for admittance.
Students should park in the North “A” lot (Bus/Delivery/PAC entrance); and parents should park in the South “C” lots (main entrance). Designated overflow parking is south of the stadium. Courtesy golf carts will offer transport from the main lot to the front doors for anyone in need of assistance.
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. To alleviate congestion, families with last name of A-K are asked to enter through the Main Door #1; families with last name K-Z should enter through Activities Door #2.
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The Minnesota Department of Education has clarified that mask requirements only apply during the instructional day and while riding on school transportation. Since the AAHS graduation ceremony is taking place outside of the instructional day, masks are recommended, but not required, at the ceremony for graduates and guests.
“We want all of our guests to feel comfortable attending,” Duwenhoegger said in an update to senior students and parents. “If you prefer to wear a mask, you are welcome to bring one. As a courtesy to our guests, masks will be available on a table with hand sanitizer as you enter.”
The graduation ceremony will be available to view through live streaming in the Performing Arts Center should any family/friends prefer a socially distanced space and live streamed on the website for those unable to attend in person.
For the senior car procession after the graduation ceremony, the district recommends that parents drive their graduate in the processional. This will allow parents to celebrate their son/daughter and also allows seniors the ability to wave and fully enjoy the community celebrating this special occasion.
