As long as Jackson County stays in the blue status for COVID-19 threat, Brownstown Central High School can allow for 100% capacity (2,672) at the Class of 2021’s commencement ceremony.
If the status changes to yellow, however, that would allow for 50% capacity (1,336), and each of the class’ 108 seniors would be allowed 12 guests to attend the May 29 ceremony, which will start at 10 a.m. in the school gymnasium.
Capacity is 25% (668) for the orange level, and only parents/guardians and siblings of the seniors living in the same household would be allowed at the red level.
The status color is announced each Wednesday by the Indiana State Department of Health. BCHS will share more information if the county color status changes.
As a way to promote safety at commencement:
Graduates will be sitting in chairs on the gym floor with a minimum of 3½ feet distance between chairs
Graduates will be wearing masks
Spectators will be required to wear masks (masks will be available at the entry doors for any spectators who enter without a mask)
Hand sanitizer will be available at the door entrances
A public address announcement will be made at the beginning of commencement sharing all safety guidelines and procedures
Extra restrooms will be available (two separate men’s and two separate women’s restrooms)
Multiple entrances will be used to enter the gym facility
Superintendent Tim Taylor will not shake hands with graduates as diplomas are issued
Corporation teachers and board of trustees members will not attend
Only senior band and choir members will perform
Spectators must exit promptly at the completion of the event
All seniors graduating must report to the gym for commencement practice from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. May 26 and 27. The senior group picture wearing cap and gown will be at 8 a.m. May 27. The cost of a copy of the picture is $10 and must be paid that day and will be delivered the next day.
Voluntary activities include a senior breakfast from 7:30 to 8 a.m. May 28 at the high school and baccalaureate sponsored by community churches from 8:30 to 9 a.m. May 29. Seniors must then report to the cafeteria by 9:30 a.m.
Commencement should not last more than an hour, and a senior vehicle parade around town will start at 11:15 a.m.
BCHS also announced guidelines for awards day from 8:15 to 10 a.m. May 28 in the gym. Seniors should dress up for this event and report to the cafeteria to line up.
The first five safety points previously listed for graduation will be in place for awards day. This event will only be for seniors, as students in grades 9, 10 and 11 will not be allowed to attend. Attendance is expected to be less than 300 students, and presenters will be socially distanced and won’t shake hands with the award recipients.
Afterwards, the seniors will be dismissed for the day, and spectators must exit promptly.
BCHS will livestream both graduation and awards day via YouTube with the link to be shared closer to the dates.