SHS/SRTC Prom and Graduation in the Age of Covid

During the School Committee’s April 26 meeting, Sanford High School Principal Matt Petermann went over the plans for this year’s Senior Prom and Graduation. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, things will be run a bit differently this year in comparison to past years.

Prom will be held Saturday, May 15, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on the SHS campus. Attendees will be announced as they walk down a red carpet for photo ops. There may be ice cream or other snacks provided outdoors. Inside, both gyms will be used to space out attendees as much as possible. In one gym, Prom-goers will be able to line dance to the Macarena and the Electric Slide. The other gym will have a variety of socially-distanced games.

Mr. Petermann said the focus was on providing a safe opportunity for kids to dress up and celebrate with their classmates. Administrators are considering doing a round of Covid testing before Prom to add an extra safety net.

Monday, June 7, will be Awards Night, held in the Performing Arts Center. There is sufficient space for all seniors to attend safely. Instead of having the usual game night afterward, a comedian will perform. A meal will follow, and prizes will be given out at the end of the evening.

The Senior Banquet will be held Tuesday, June 8. The entertainment will be provided by a hypnotist. The senior slide show will also be presented.

Graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 9, at Alumni Stadium. June 10 is the rain date, but if both days are rainy, it may be pushed back further. Mr. Petermann told the Committee that having the ceremony outside provides the best opportunity for making it as close to a traditional experience as possible. Graduates will be six feet apart at all times, as they march into the stadium and when they are seated on the field. Staff will also be seated on the field, with parents and other family members in the stands.

The graduation ceremony will be a ticketed event. The number of tickets each graduate will be allotted is not yet set, as the Maine Department of Education may revise social distancing guidelines before graduation occurs.

Subscribe to our twice-weekly email newsletter and never miss a story! Visit sanfordspringvalenews.com/subscribe/ to sign up.