HOPE – Plans to move Hope High School graduation back to Hammons Stadium and to hold an
historic “outdoor prom” at HHS have given both spring events a new lifeline in the era of COVID-
19.
HHS Principal Bill Hoglund said both plans were developed through collaborations by students,
teachers and administrators at HHS.
“It all seemed to fit together,” Hoglund told the HPS Board at its March meeting. “I think they
came up with a great plan.”
He said the only caveats rest with the weather and any state mandates regarding large
gatherings.
“As far as graduation on May 14, we will decide that day,” Hoglund said. “We will go to the next
day at 6 p.m. and so on until we have a graduation ceremony.”
He said he hoped to keep the graduation celebration contained within the weekend from May
14-16 so that out of town guests could attend.
Graduation plan
Hoglund said the graduation plan revolves around four elements:
–Outdoor seating at Hammons Stadium and on the football field will provide sufficient social
distancing for graduates and guests.
–The HHS Bobcat Band will also be seated on the football field behind the graduating class
using social distancing. The band will perform the National Anthem, HHS Fight Song and the
HHS Alma Mater.
–Graduates will be allowed between 5 and 10 guests each, depending upon the final size of the
graduating class.
–HerffJones Company will also provide a live Facebook stream of the commencement
exercises for others who cannot attend because of capacity rules or travel.
Prom plan