(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the St. Cloud School District).
May 6, Gov. Tim Walz announced lifting restrictions on outdoor gatherings beginning May 7 and indoor gatherings beginning May 28. With this updated guidance, adjustments for district end-of-year high school celebration plans have been made.
Apollo and Tech High School Grand March and Prom
Two spectators per student are now allowed for Grand March May 15. Also, students will now be able to gather and participate in pods of 10 for prom.
Both events will be indoors due to weather considerations, and pods will remain socially distanced. Masks are still required.
Apollo and Tech High School Graduation
Because indoor restrictions will be lifted May 28, graduation ceremonies at the River’s Edge Convention Center date and/or time will change to the following:
May 28 at 5:00: Tech High School graduation;
May 28 at 8:30: Apollo High School graduation.
Additionally, each senior will receive eight tickets for graduation. Masks will be required but no social distancing.
Apollo and Tech Vehicle Parades
Based on current guidance, no changes will be made to our vehicle parades.
Tech May 25 5 – 7 p.m.;
Apollo May 26 5 – 7 p.m.
Other District Events
Proms
McKinley Thursday, May 13 1:30 - 3:20 p.m.
On site for staff and students to celebrate the Panther community.
Apollo and Tech
Saturday, May 15
Grand March 7:30 p.m. (one spectator). Prom immediately follows Grand March and ends at 11 p.m. For juniors and seniors, 250 person limit. Pods of six arrive together, spaced 6’ apart.
Parades
Tech Tuesday, May 25 5 – 7 p.m.;
Apollo Wednesday, May 26 5 - 7 p.m.
Seniors and their families, in a single vehicle, are invited to drive through a parade route on the school site celebrating upcoming graduates. Seniors are encouraged to wear their cap and gowns and decorate their vehicles with school pride. Faculty and staff will line the parade route to celebrate and say good-bye to the Class of 2021.
Graduations at River’s Edge Convention Center
Tech Thursday, May 27;
Apollo Friday, May 28.
Ceremony One 5 p.m. (doors open 4:30) (Students A-G); Ceremony Two 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) (Students H-M); Ceremony Three 9 p.m. (doors open at 8:30) (Students N-Z).
Each ceremony is scheduled for one hour with recorded music showcasing band, orchestra, and choir students; live speeches including the senior speaker, principal, student-selected faculty member, and Superintendent Jett; awarding of individual diplomas; and presentation of Class of 2021. Seven hundred and seventy-five attendees total are permitted per ceremony. Each graduate will receive four tickets, and families/guests will be seated in pods of four and spaced 6’ apart. The facility will be sanitized following each ceremony.
Each ceremony will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend. In addition, an online virtual graduation ceremony for Apollo and Tech Classes of 2021 will be available online at 9 p.m. for Tech on May 27 and for Apollo on May 28.
The plans are in alignment with current MDE and MDH guidelines but are subject to change.
