Gainesville High School has tentatively rescheduled its graduation ceremony for July 24 at City Park, and it hopes to be able to schedule a prom that week as well, the school announced Friday.
“We know that not every senior will be able to attend commencement, and this causes us great sorrow,” Principal Jamie Green said in a letter sent to seniors.
Green also said the school is planning a Class of 2020 Celebration Rally at 7 p.m. on May 22. Details, he said, would be announced later.
“Our plan is to drive a parade route through our campus,” he said. “Family members and faculty will be able to park on campus and support you as you drive through. We’re hoping that you’ll decorate your cars and make lots of noise as we move through our campus one last time.”
Green wrote that schoolwork for students who are passing will become voluntary on May 4. Students who are not passing will be given the opportunity to raise their grades.
“As you are all now privy to, life is eternally unpredictable and sometimes seemingly unfair,” he said. “This event has shown you that you can weather the storms you’ll face in the years ahead. You’ve pushed to raise your grades, you’ve balanced your commitments to family, work, early college, and academics, and you’ve supported each other. You embody all the qualities we believe exemplify a Red Elephant.”
