As we prepare to celebrate our Class of 2024 this week, we are closely monitoring the evolving weather forecasts. In planning our celebration, our overriding principle has always been to allow everyone who wants to join us for this special day to be able to do so. While that remains true, the realities that Mother Nature has presented us with compels us to also plan for other contingencies.
We remain hopeful that we will be able to hold our graduation ceremony, as planned, at 7 p.m. Thursday (May 23) at Southern Bancorp Stadium, which will allow us to welcome all family and friends, without limitation.
If we are not able to hold the ceremony as planned because of weather or any other reason, the ceremony will be postponed to Friday (May 24) at 7 p.m., also at the stadium. However, by late afternoon Friday, if the weather is not cooperating, we will move indoors to Fidelity Bank Arena for an abbreviated ceremony, which will also begin at 7 p.m.
If the ceremony is moved to the arena, due to capacity limits, the following procedures will be implemented:
A strict limit of 6 tickets per graduate will be in place. Graduates will receive these tickets during their graduation rehearsal. No one will be allowed entry to the arena without a ticket.
In addition to the 6 tickets, graduates will also be able to designate up to 2 escorts who will accompany them during the processional. These escorts should be registered with the MHS Principal’s Office before the ceremony.
For the abbreviated ceremony, we will forego having graduates seated on the arena floor; instead, graduates will line up in the MJHS hallway, and then proceed through the arena floor, stopping to shake hands and receive their diplomas. After each graduate receives their diploma, they will proceed out of the arena. Student speakers will give their speeches as planned before the processional.
For those who are unable to attend the event, livestream coverage will be available at marionpatriots.com and via the MPAN YouTube channel.
For staff who previously signed up for tickets to graduation … if the ceremony is moved to the arena, you will need a ticket for admission. Those tickets can be picked up at the MHS office. Only those staff members who previously signed up to attend the event will be given tickets.
Regardless of the ceremony location, out of respect for the safety of our students and our guests, we are asking guests to adhere to the following guidelines:
The ceremony will be a strict NO DRONE ZONE. Any individuals seen flying drone aircraft in or around the Marion campus during the ceremony will be asked to leave the premises.
The district’s CLEAR BAG POLICY will be in effect. All bags being brought into either venue must be clear (plastic, vinyl, etc.), with the exception of small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap.
In order to avoid long lines and logjams at entry points, guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district committed to helping every student find their unique path to success in school and in life. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade school, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.