Prom, HHS graduation get lifeline

By Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools, 03/31/21 1:07 PM
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
  • “Midnight Memories” will be the theme of the 2021 HHS prom, which is set for April 17 from 6-8
    p.m. at Hammons Stadium.
    Tickets are currently available through April 16 and will be sold as single tickets only. Prom
    tickets are $15 per person and prom photos are $5 each. Tickets and photos are to be reserved
    through HHS Student Council Advisor Sheila Hopson. Students must have a reliable email
    address for Hopson to send tickets the day of the prom, she said.
    Tickets will be available to HHS and Hope Collegiate Academy junior and senior students only
    and security will be onsite to enforce the rule.
    Prom activities will move to the MAC Indoor Practice Facility in the event of inclement weather
    and circulating fans will be used for ventilation.
    Prom protocols include:
    –Students will be met at the MAC Center door and issued a souvenir mask which they will be
    required to wear. Yearbook pictures will be taken at the time.
    –Social distancing is to be maintained and tables will reflect the practice.
    –A water bottle table will be provided for hydration.
    –Dancing will be on the playing field.
    Teachers and administrators will supervise during the celebration and music will be provided via
    a Neptune system with some musical choices for students. Prom arrival filming is also planned
    for social media streaming.