KENNEBUNK- The class of 2021 at Kennebunk High School will conduct a traditional graduation ceremony this year.
Social distancing will be observed and masks worn as the coronavirus pandemic continues, but it will be the real deal, set for Memorial Field on June 6.
The Kennebunk High School class of 2021 will host an outdoor graduation ceremony June 6 at Memorial Field. Dan King photo
There’s also a Senior Sunset event scheduled May 8.
Kennebunk High School Principal Jeremie Sirois told the RSU 21 School Board at a recent meeting that seniors were asked what they wanted.
“What was clear to me is they wanted to see two events, graduation with the entire class – to graduate together – and a prom,” said Sirois.
And while Senior Sunset isn’t a prom – dancing isn’t on the menu, because it can’t be socially distanced – Sirois said the 7 to 9 p.m. tented event at the Nonantum Resort on May 8 gives seniors that chance to dress up. There will be a dinner, and games like cornhole and bocci ball.
“It’s an event seniors can do together, it’s not a dance,” said Sirois.
Sirois said that the commencement ceremony is set for 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 6, at the stadium. He said the time was chosen because people will be spread out around the field, and they wanted to take advantage of the lower sun angle. Organizers also took into consideration that June thunderstorms tend to take place in the afternoon and evening, Sirois said.
The gym is not available in the event of rain, so if that happens on June 6, graduation will move to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 7. It cannot be held earlier in the day because school is in session.
“We’ll do family pods for seating,” said Sirois. He said the spectator capacity for graduation remains to be determined.
“We’re looking at a traditional ceremony, but may make some slight adjustments as needed,” Sirois told the school board. “It certainly will be a socially distanced event and masks will be required. ”
He noted that the school has operated on a hybrid model, and so seniors haven’t necessarily been in school with a lot of their friends.
“Graduation with their friends is what they said they all wanted to do,” Sirois said.
He said the traditional class night will likely be virtual.
Among ways the district is celebrating its seniors, besides graduation and Senior Sunset, is a weekly Senior Highlights feature, said Superintendent Terri Cooper, where several seniors each week outline their future plans, whether it is college, technical school, work, military or perhaps a gap year, their involvement in school activities, scholarships and the like.
“We want to honor our seniors and we’re highlighting them every week,” said Cooper.
In 2020, the pandemic resulted in Kennebunk High School hosting an outdoor ceremony on a stage facing the parking lot. Families parked to watch as small groups of grads proceeded to the stage to receive their diplomas. The event was livestreamed so families could watch at home. A professional video was made, featuring prerecorded speeches and post-ceremony photographs.
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