A graduation ceremony for Brainerd High School seniors could still be in the cards this year, but nothing is certain.
BHS Principal Andrea Rusk wants to spread a message of hope and pause amid the trying times of the coronavirus pandemic, she told school board members during a meeting Wednesday, April 15.
“I do believe it's important that we continue to have hope, and I share the sentiments I think everyone has that we want and hope that we will have an in-person ceremony,” she said.
That being said, Rusk emphasized the need to continue following guidelines from health officials to ensure everyone’s health.
Rusk said she does not want to rush into any decisions about graduation, which is scheduled May 22. If needed, she said the commencement ceremony can be planned and executed in a few days, whether it be in May as planned or later on in the summer.
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Most other area principals are thinking along the same lines, taking a “wait and see” approach, Rusk said.
“I know that for those that really want answers, this is a really uncertain time,” she added. “I just don’t have answers, and I need to be honest about that.”
She also hopes to reschedule prom for this summer and said the junior class is trying to work with the NP Event Center to find other dates that might work.
In the meantime, Rusk said she and other administrators are planning other ways to honor and celebrate seniors. A virtual senior spotlight is in the works, where seniors are asked to submit video clips of them answering certain questions to be posted on the school’s Facebook page.
A virtual senior recognition night could also be in the cards, with Rusk and Jessica Gangl, executive director of the Brainerd Public Schools Foundation, hosting a video program with a PowerPoint presentation. Students and families can watch the video and follow along to see who earned scholarships. This format could also open the program up to a wider viewing audience, with extended family, donors, volunteers and anyone who wants to tune in and watch.
THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa .
