GREENFIELD — Greenfield-Central High School’s commencement will take place in the high school gymnasium this year, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 5.
The school board made the decision Monday night, granting Principal Jason Carey’s request to have the event indoors.
The board approved granting four tickets to each graduate, which would result in a crowd of no more than 1,600 people. Attendees will be required to wear masks and are encouraged to socially distance themselves from other families at the event.
Carey said he felt an indoor ceremony would be best, after some debate on the benefits versus holding it outdoors on the football field as it was last year.
Although last year’s commencement was held under sunny skies, Cary pointed out that good weather is not guaranteed, and having an outdoor ceremony was risky and also more costly than having it indoors.
Livestreaming the event is much easier indoors, and event setup can take place without regard for the weather, he said in a memo to the school board. Setup of the stage, students’ chairs, livestream equipment and seating assignments for families can be finished ahead of time, allowing school officials to be better prepared and responsive to last-minute adjustments, he said.
If held outdoors, the school would incur the cost of hiring a sound company to help with the ceremony, as it did last year.
Superintendent Harold Olin said officials were working on ways to assure that the gymnasium stays appropriately cooled given the size of the crowd.
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Eastern Hancock High School: June 5
Greenfield-Central High School: June 5
New Palestine High School: May 28
Mt. Vernon High School: June 11
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