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By NATHAN HOWELL | Special to the Reporter

PELHAM— Pelham High School is moving ahead with its original plans to have an in-person graduation on Thursday, May 21, while following health specific health guidelines.

“We are thrilled to host graduation on our original date of May 21, 2020,” said Dr. Amanda Wilbanks, PHS principal. “We appreciate your willingness to work with us at our ceremony to ensure everyone follows proper health protocols and feels safe.”

The ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. at Ned Bearden Stadium and gates will open for family and friends at 5:15 p.m. Graduates should be at the football field house at the same time to line up.

Graduates will be given no more than four tickets for guests, and the school is asking students and their families to ride together if possible due to limited parking space. Tickets will be required for anyone over the age of 1.

Graduates will need to be at practice for the ceremony on May 21 at 9 a.m. at the PHS football field. They will only be able receive their four guest tickets at the practice, and if a student does not participate in practice they will not be permitted at the ceremony.

Guests should wear masks if possible and remain 6 feet apart at all times, there will be designated areas with markings to indicate the distance when it comes to seating.

Anyone experiencing a fever or other symptoms related to COVID-19, or that has been exposed to the virus should not attend.

PHS is asking students not to decorate their caps and gowns or to wear any other kind of regalia for the event.

Families and students should take photographs prior to arriving at the school to help maintain a safe distance and flow of foot traffic.

The dress code for female graduates are asked to wear “dress, skirt, or nice slacks, dress shoes or sandals.” Male students should wear “dress pants, collared dress shirt and tie/bow tie and dress shoes.”

Students who are unable to attend for health concerns should email Brooke Self at bself@pelhamcityschools.org.