Contributed by Bladen County Schools
With the final results received from the high school senior graduation surveys, Bladen County Schools announces its plans for the Class of 2021. In March, all seniors received a paper copy of the survey along with a self-addressed stamped envelope in which to return their completed survey: They had 4 weeks to return their survey. In total, the high schools had 76 surveys returned and the seniors’ top choice with 47 votes was a traditional ceremony outdoors on the football field.
“We are pleased to offer our 2021 graduates and their families an in-person experience. We do want it to be as normal as possible this year and preserve important rites of passage like graduation ceremonies,” said Bladen County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson.
Both high schools will graduate their seniors on Friday, June 4, 2021. East Bladen will conduct their ceremony at 8 AM on the field of the Lennon Fisher Football Stadium. West Bladen will conduct their ceremony at 6:30 PM on their football field. Gates at both schools will close promptly ten minutes before the start of the ceremony.
The rain date for both high schools is Saturday, June 5 with East Bladen at 8 AM and West Bladen at 6:30 PM.
Keeping with the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) guidelines, seating will be limited due to social distancing requirements. Although face masks will not be required to be worn outdoors effective June 1 per the Governor’s Executive Order 209, NCDHHS still strongly recommends wearing masks outdoors in crowded areas and in situations where social distancing is difficult. Each high school will have face masks available at their entry gate for guests.
Chairs will be set up and arranged on the field to allow for social distancing. Handicapped accessible seating and overflow seating will be in the home bleachers. Draughon Brothers Sound will provide the venue-style stage and sound.
Each graduate will receive six tickets for their guests. Graduations will also be live-streamed over the internet from the Board of Education website, providing those unable to attend in-person the ability to watch the ceremony. Bladen County Schools, in partnership with Columbus County Schools Technology department, will be providing LiveStreaming.
“These students have worked so hard for so long, and particularly this past year during the COVID pandemic, and graduation is just a culmination of all their efforts,” says West Bladen Principal Dr. Peggy Hester.
“It’s a big thing for families to come together and celebrate their students. If we can put on a graduation ceremony in person for families, we feel like that’s really important,” says East Bladen Principal Dr. Jason Wray.
The district and the high schools look forward to celebrating the Classes of 2021 and providing the seniors and their families with a memorable graduation experience.
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