Union High School Commencement Moved to July 23 at the BOK Center
CAP AND GOWN PRESENTATION: Megan Kennedy provides senior Rania Halim with a cap and gown for graduation at a recent “drive-thru” event at Union High School. Union’s graduation ceremony has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the BOK Center, 200 South Denver Ave. The new date is contingent upon all bans for large gatherings being lifted in response to measures put in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Union High School has rescheduled its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 to Thursday, July 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the BOK Center, 200 S. Denver Ave. W., in response to social distancing measures put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This new date is contingent upon all bans being lifted by the city and state in time for the event to take place. Approximately 1,073 seniors are eligible to walk across the stage.
“Given this year’s unprecedented disruption, I can think of no class more deserving of an exceptional graduation experience than Union’s Class of 2020,” said Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler. “Our fondest wish is to celebrate our graduating like they have never been celebrated before, and for their families to give them an appropriate send-off in person. In setting this date, however, we also recognize that safety measures for large public gatherings may still be in place. For that reason, we will make alternate plans for a ‘virtual graduation,’ in the event we would need to cancel the July 23 ceremony for safety reasons. Regardless of the venue, I want to assure seniors and their families that we will celebrate in style, whether in person or virtually.”
In the event restrictions for public gatherings have not been lifted by May 30, Union will make the decision to proceed with a virtual graduation ceremony that would be live-streamed the evening of Monday, June 15.
“A virtual graduation is not our preference,” said Dr. Hartzler. “We just need to have an alternate plan in place should it become necessary. Regardless of the way we ultimately end up celebrating the achievement of our graduates, I guarantee we will do it ‘The Union Way.’”
Students began picking up their caps, gowns and accessories on April 21 and 22 on the north side of Union High School. More information will be forthcoming about a rehearsal in preparation for graduation.
Organizers have not yet determined the status of the Graduation Celebration, an all-night safe, drug and alcohol-free after-party that has become a Union tradition.
For updates on graduation, seniors and parents may visit www.unionps.org/commencement.
