BULLHEAD CITY – The Colorado River Union High School District governing board voted unanimously Wednesday night to proceed with traditional graduation ceremonies for the district’s three high schools. Commencement at CRUHSD’s Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse will have a variety of health and safety recommendations, including attendance restrictions.
Each graduate will receive two tickets to enable social distancing, with graduates seated on the Fieldhouse floor and guests in the bleachers. All three graduation ceremonies will be livestreamed on YouTube or another video platform for those unable to attend.
CRUHSD Academy’s 16 graduates will have ceremonies on Thursday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m. River Valley High School’s graduation for 99 seniors will be Friday, June 5, at 7:00 p.m. And Mohave High School’s commencement will be Saturday, June 6, at 6:00 p.m., for its 234 graduates. The time in between ceremonies will allow the Fieldhouse to be cleaned and sanitized following county, state and federal public health guidelines.
Board members were presented with several options, including drive-through ceremonies on each campus, virtual ceremonies livestreamed, traditional ceremonies with large-scale attendance, or traditional ceremonies with restricted attendance. Following considerable discussion, staff recommendations, and a presentation by two student government representatives who first proposed the drive-through graduation, the board opted to stick to a traditional format, with limited attendance by family members.
District officials began meeting with student government leaders about graduation options and alternatives shortly after Gov. Doug Ducey ordered schools closed in March. The District also conducted an online survey of parents about their preferences. A majority of parents who responded listed a traditional ceremony as their first choice, with varying comfort levels about large group participation in one location.
During Wednesday night’s discussion, board members indicated that students, parents, faculty or others considered at risk because of COVID-19 should use their best judgment whether to participate. Those who are ill should not attend. No one will be pressured to attend if they are uncomfortable. Graduates not in attendance by choice, or because of unavailability, will still be recognized.
CRUHSD will distribute updated guidance for graduations from the Arizona Department of Health Services shortly.
The full board meeting, including comments and perspectives, may be viewed online at https://youtu.be/7StbnHI0__oat .
