This standing-room-only crowd in 2018 typifies the usual Alva High graduation in Memorial Auditorium. This year, seniors will be seated six feet apart on the NWOSU football field as spectaors watch from their cars in the parking area.
The graduating class of 2020 has experienced unprecedented disruption and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. March brought an abrupt end to classes and extracurricular activities. Spring sports didn't even begin. Music concerts were canceled. All the preparation for speech and debate contests was halted. Livestock shows and school trips disappeared from calendars.
The Alva High School senior class wondered if they would even have a graduation ceremony. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of their class sponsors, graduation will be held Sunday, May 17, at 3:30 p.m. at NWOSU Ranger Stadium.
This graduation will be unique in the history of Alva High School. Graduates will be seated 10 feet apart on the NWOSU football field. They will remain seated throughout the ceremony except when they are called to approach a designated area to receive their diplomas. Then they will return to their seats.
Meanwhile, the audience will remain seated in parked cars. Each senior will receive two parking passes for their family members. These designated spaces will be in the prime parking area in the tiers at the south end of the stadium where the view of the field is best. The first two tiers and the middle of the third row will be reserved for those with parking passes.
These spots will be reserved and monitored by senior sponsors. Parents must present their parking pass to be allowed in the reserved area. Individual parking spots will not be assigned. All other parking spots will be open to the public. Senior sponsors will begin allowing those with parking passes into the spots at 2 p.m. on graduation day.
The ceremony will be broadcast on KRDR, 105.7 FM, so spectators and those at home can listen. It is also available online at http://mixlr.com/classic-hits-1057-krdr/
All spectators must remain in their vehicles at all times, no exceptions. The sponsors ask that everyone respect these guidelines as they are doing their best to ensure the safety of all involved while providing a memorable ceremony for the seniors.
Special Instructions for Seniors
On Wednesday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. caps, tassels, important senior documents and parking passes will be given to seniors. Please pull through the circle drive at Alva High School and someone will come out to bring your packet. A parent, guardian or the graduating senior is expected to pick up the packet and sign for it.
On Sunday, May 17, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. graduation gowns will be checked out from the south vocal doors at AHS. Gowns should be handled carefully and returned to the same location within one hour of the end of the graduation ceremony.
Graduating seniors are asked to arrive by 2:45 p.m. on graduation day, park by the baseball field and immediately report to the football field. Seniors are expected to follow school dress code and look presentable for a formal ceremony. NWOSU has asked that there are no high heels worn on their artificial turf field. Flats and wedges that have a flat bottom are acceptable.
Pictures will be taken of each senior receiving their diploma. Each senior will receive a copy at a later date.
Alva Review-Courier will videotape the ceremony, and DVD copies will be available for purchase from the newspaper office.
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