By Brian Wellmeier
After a semi-normal graduation last year in late summer, Habersham Central High School is planning for a completely normal one this year.
Principal Jonathan Stribling announced late last week that the high school plans to go forward with the graduation and commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021 at 8 p.m. Friday, May 21.
The ceremony will be held at Raider Stadium, Stribling said, and the event will be open to all members of the public who wish to attend in-person. He added that graduation will also be available to view via livestream for friends and family members who choose to stay home.
“I look forward to awarding a diploma to each deserving senior and celebrating this academic milestone with them and their families,” he said.
Stribling said that he was encouraged by the COVID-19 data he’s seen at Habersham Central, as the high school went into spring break without a single student testing positive for the virus.
“We will maintain all COVID-19 protocols through the end of the school year to position the school for a successful finish to the 2020-2021 school year,” Stribling said.
Honors Days also will return this year and are by invitation only, reserved for honorees and their guests. Sophomore Honors Day is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, at 6 p.m. in the HCHS Performing Arts Center, and Honors Day for Juniors is on Thursday, May 13, at 6 p.m. in the same location.
Senior Honors Day will be Monday, May 17.
“I could not be more proud of the Habersham Central family of students, faculty and staff, parents, and community as we have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic,” Stribling said. “Our protocols and procedures mitigated the risks for our students and staff and kept our school open, ensuring learning continued.”
Stribling added that he remains hopeful that the next school year will be normal in every way.
Tallulah Falls School is set to graduate May 16, but full details have not yet been released.