In 2020, traditional high school graduations did not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, while still different than usual, the show will go on for high schools in the Nebo School District.
In fact, all high schools have been given the green light to operate the graduation at full capacity of attendees, according to Payson High School principal Jesse Sorensen.
That being said, since the pandemic still isn’t over, graduations will not be held at Utah Valley University like they have in year’s past, but will instead hold graduation outdoors at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds.
“We were given the green light to operate graduations at full capacity, but our normal venue wasn’t available, so we are holding graduations at the Spanish Fork Rodeo Grounds,” Sorensen said in a phone interview.
“We will likely see upwards of 2,500 people attend graduation, and the rodeo grounds can hold 8,000 people. This is good because it will be outdoors and give people plenty of space to still socially distance. It is working out really well to do it this way.”
In addition to the larger venue, Sorensen said that the graduations will be live streamed on the school’s YouTube channels for those who would like to watch from home.
Moving high school graduation to the fairgrounds, however, is bringing with it something Sorensen says he hopes will bring back the hometown feel of years past.
“This year, the rodeo team will come out on their horses and help with color guard and the presenting of the flag,” Sorensen said. “Having this at graduation will bring back that hometown feeling as we embrace our Western heritage. I’m really excited about it!”
All Nebo School District High Schools except Salem Hills will hold graduation at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, and will follow the following schedule:
May 25: 10 a.m. – Payson. 2 p.m. – Maple Mountain.
May 26: 10 a.m. – Spanish Fork. 2 p.m. – Springville.
May 27: 10 a.m. – Salem Hills at Salem Hills High School football field. (Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)
