Plans for graduation, prom, senior awards night and other events were unveiled this week by West Liberty High School Principal Brenda Arthur-Miller, released at the school board meeting Monday night at the District Office.
The principal said graduation will look different this year than last year when seniors were provided a parade through the town as well as a virtual graduation ceremony with no families. This year, there will be families at the Sunday, May 30 graduation ceremonies, but each graduate is limited to four family members for the 1 p.m. ceremony to be held in the high school gymnasium.
The principal said her committee has talked about hosting an outdoor ceremony, but pointed out in the 11 years she's served as administrator and hosted nine graduations, it has rained every single day. She did say the event will be live streamed on the school's social media page. She said the group set details so graduation would not be a "super spreader" event, noting she wants it to be as memorable as possible.
Arthur-Miller said she estimated the gym would be at half capacity for the event and has been working with Muscatine County Health authorities to insure the event is safe. Anyone going will be reuqired to wear a mask.
After missing a year, seniors will get a prom in 2021, to be held Saturday, May 8, at the West Liberty Community Center. The event will take place from 8-11 p.m. and will be followed by a post-prom event also being held at the Community Center. No outside guests can attend nor alumni.
The school will also not have any Baccalaureate services this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety precuations.
The high school will also host its traditional senior awards program, to be held Tuesday, May 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Seniors will be allowed four guests for the event and there will be assigned seating. Seniors who have received or who will be receiving honors, awards and scholarships will be recognized at the event.