MILANO—Social distancing, and pandemic protection, were the order of business Friday evening at Pruitt Field as 41 Milano High School seniors received their diplomas.
It was serious business. The seniors and their families were monitored and/or screened from the moment they arrived for ceremonies honoring the Class of 2020 until they were dismissed to participate in a parade around the community.
Speeches—including valedictorian Abbigail Miller and salutatorian Angel Zeig—were pre-recorded so there would be no sharing of microphones. Even restroom facilities,
Even restroom facilities, both at the football field and inside school buildings where pre-graduation organizing took place, were sanitized after every use.
Milam County Judge Steve Young attended the ceremony and praised the Milano ISD for its attention to detail at the graduation.
Young also praised Milam’s other schools for their 2020 graduation procedures.
PREPARATION— Before the ceremony graduates and parents arrived at the elementary school, which is adjacent to the football field.
All were screened for any illness and, if needed, thermal scan temperatures were taken by a health care professional.
The families (graduates and parents) were then placed in either the elementary gym or cafeteria where they were assigned “strategically-placed” chairs to maintain social distancing protocols.
During that period only one person at a time was allowed a “bathroom break.”
Custodians then cleaned and sanitized some facilities in the restrooms after each use.
Seniors and family members were then lined up, maintaining social distancing to enter the football field where families were seated six feet apart.
GUESTS—Each MHS senior was allowed four tickets to distribute to guests, including children.
Guests were screened upon entering the stadium, again being screened for COVID-19 symptoms, with thermal-scan temperatures being taken by a professional if necessary.
After clearing the scans, guests were allowed to sit in the home stands to witness the graduation.
Milano ISD personnel were on hand to ensure distancing protocols were maintained.
CEREMONY—During the ceremony, graduates’ names were read over a microphone in the press box.
Each of the 44 graduates then approached a table in front of the stage, along with one designated family member.
That family member then presented the diploma to the graduate.
Graduates turned their tassels in unison, symbolizing completion of their high school studies.
A fireworks display, behind the visitor side bleachers, and conducted by the Milano Volunteer Fire Department, followed by the senior class song, concluded the ceremony.
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