The Warrenton High School Class of 2021 will hold its commencement ceremony on June 12, beginning at 7 p.m., as 245 seniors parade across stage to receive their diplomas.

Graduation will take place at the high school athletic complex, with students seated on the track and spectators on the football field. 

“It’s going to look very similar to how it did last year,” said Principal Dr. Brad Ross. “Every graduate will have eight tickets for family and friends to sit down on the field. We will have overflow for the bleachers in case someone has more than eight guests.”

Tickets will be dispersed to students during graduation rehearsal at 9 a.m. on June 9.

Following COVID-19 safety protocol, the district will keep families seated together in pods. Students will be seated 6 feet part, and spectators in the bleachers are being asked to practice social distancing. With the ceremony being held outside, masks will not be required.

The band and choir will perform, after being omitted from the ceremony last year for safety purposes. The candle lighting ceremony will also take place, as is tradition. 

“It was really important to us that we did as much as we possibly could, especially for graduation,” said Ross. “We wanted to very deliberately try to not leave anything out if and include everyone if we possibly could. We are trying to give every senior an opportunity to celebrate if they’re in one of those groups, and end senior year on a really great note.”

The commencement address will be given by alum Michael Hoosier, while Class of 2021 members Hunter Miesner and Mary Schleuter will speak on behalf of the seniors.

“These seniors have been through a lot of changing protocols and canceled events,” said Ross. “A lot of events looked different from in the past. They have been resilient and are still positive at school, and that’s a real testament to their character.”

The Class of 2021 had to resort to learning from home on several occasions when the number of positive COVID-19 cases increased at the high school, forcing the closure of the building. Ross said there were many uncertain times when students were shifting from one learning model to another or being required to quarantine for weeks at a time. He is thankful to be able to plan a commencement ceremony that includes everyone. 

“To be able to have graduation in a way where we don’t feel like we’re limiting anybody, I feel like it’s the perfect ending to this year,” said Ross. “The word to best describe it is ‘triumph.’”

In the case of inclement weather, graduation will be moved to the following day, June 13, at 7 p.m.