It will be different, but graduation ceremonies will take place

White River is planning to host its ceremony June 12 at the Arrow Lumber Stadium, while Enumclaw High is hosting theirs June 14 at the Expo Center.

With a change of venue and health precautions firmly in place, graduation ceremonies have been set for both Enumclaw and White River high schools.

Traditionally – and that means pre-COVID – graduating seniors from both Plateau schools strolled across the stage at the White River Amphitheatre.

Nothing has been business as usual for members of the Class of 2021 and their graduation ceremonies will reflect current realities.

Here’s the rundown for both schools.

ENUMCLAW HIGH SCHOOL

The district formally announced on May 5 that it will move forward with plans for an in-person graduation ceremony. The festivities are set to begin at 7 p.m. Monday, June 14, at the Enumclaw Expo Center.

EHS Principal Phil Engebretsen clarified that ceremonies will take place in the “midway” portion of the grounds.

The in-person ceremony will allow for each student to receive six tickets to be shared among family and friends. Groups of six people will be permitted, with social distancing observed among those small groups.

Additionally, the graduation ceremony will be made available via live stream for extended family, friends and those who would prefer to watch virtually.

In its prepared statement, the school district noted that additional information will be communicated during the coming weeks.

WHITE RIVER HIGH SCHOOL

Ceremonies for White River High graduates will stay on campus, planned for Arrow Lumber Stadium. Graduation is a four-part affair planned for Saturday, June 12.

Graduating seniors were given a choice of attending a ceremony at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. or 5:30 a.m. Not as many chose the earliest time slot and the 5:30 option was the most popular, but reports are that student/parent desires were largely met.

The outdoor ceremony will have students on the athletic field and guests in the stands. Attendance will be limited, with each senior receiving a certain number of tickets. That number has not yet been decided.

Each of the four ceremonies will have the same format, presided over by Principal Cody Mothershead. As usual, there will be a class speaker and school board members in attendance. Music will be of the recorded variety rather than the school orchestra.

The ceremonies will be livestreamed for those who cannot or will not attend in person.

Many of the details are still being worked out and an email will be sent to student homes when decisions are finalized.