2020 GRADUATION
The Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony will take place Friday, June 26 at 7:00 pm. Due to the current executive order, we are asking that only immediate family members be in attendance. This would include those living in your home.
We will have chairs set up but you are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs. We ask that you do not bring large chairs or umbrellas that may obstruct the view of others during the ceremony.
Gates Open at 6:00 pm. Seniors are asked to meet in the West Gym. Students should look for signs where to enter due to construction.
Parking is available in our main lot and the parking lot at Huron Valley Lutheran.
We ask that you wear a mask but are welcome to remove it once you are seated.
We recommend that our female graduates wear flat shoes with their gowns. This will make walking on the football field more tolerable.
We do plan to record the ceremony and have it available within 10 days to view online.
If you are sick we ask that you do not attend the ceremony. If a graduating senior is sick, we ask that they do not attend the ceremony. Additional arrangements can be made for them to receive their diploma. This could still be done with Mr. Schwecke handing them their diploma on the stage with parents present for pictures.
SENIOR INFORMATION
Friday Timeline: Students will enter the side doors to the west gym due to construction. Side doors to the west gym are located to the south of the lobby doors closer to Cowan Road.
6:00 PM - Gates to Tuomi Field will be open for public
6:00 PM - Seniors meet in the west gym
7:00 PM - Service begins
8:00 PM - Reception begins on the football field
Attire: Cap/Gown (yours to keep) All dress code guidelines are to be followed.
Try on gown this week. Hang it on a hanger so the packing folds fall out.
The cap, properly worn, is parallel to the ground. The tassel is worn on the right side.
Men: dark dress pants, dress shoes, and shirt and tie under the gown. All other dress code guidelines are to be followed (clean-shaven, no earrings). With the closure of barbershops for an extended period of time, your hair may be longer than normal, but it needs to be neat and appropriate.
Ladies: dress/skirt and dress shoes under the gown (no flip flops of any kind).
The cap is worn parallel to the ground, tassel on the right side. Move it to the left side after the charge to the class. Ladies, please wear the cap on top (not back) of your head.
NHS members wear their gold cords. Students with a 4.0 GPA may wear their black & white cords. Honor students may wear their medals.
No other flowers, tape, tinsel, or other decorations on the gown or cap. You may want to write your name inside your cap so you can find it after the cap toss.
Procession: Line-up alphabetically in the west gym.
Processional order: Mrs. Unger, Graduates, Faculty and Board, Mr. Schwecke
STAY STANDING for the Invocation.
Men and Hats: Follow Mr. Schwecke – take OFF hat at invocation, put ON after benediction.
Awarding of Diplomas
Correct spelling, pronunciation, or future plan errors today - tell Mrs. Unger.
When there are 6 students left in line, a row stands and moves to the left stairs.
When name read, walk across the stage, and receive your diploma. I will not shake your hand due to COVID 19. After you receive your diploma, return to your seat.
You receive an empty cover on stage. Let your time on stage be remembered by your family and others with pride. Display proper behavior while walking across the stage – bad choices could cause a delay in receiving your diploma.
Recessional
Order: Schwecke, Faculty and Board, THEN: Graduates, Mrs. Unger
Diplomas – receive them from Mr. Schwecke after the ceremony. Give it to a parent – do not throw it in your trunk. Replacement diplomas are purchased through Jostens. Lutheran High Westland cannot order them.
Reception: Weather permitting – on the football field.
Throw hats at the end of the ceremony. Put name inside hat if you have a special tassel and want your hat back after tossing.
If raining – we will adjust.
Make choices that will leave a positive memory. Don’t do a class prank. Don’t drink. Don’t smoke your victory cigar. Drive with care. Make responsible choices.
Other Announcements
You may pick up your yearbook and class composite in the school office Monday through Thursday, June 22-25, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
All obligations including return school items (uniforms, choir robes & music folders, textbooks, etc.) and financial obligations must be taken care of to participate in graduation ceremonies.
You may want to save your Office 365 documents to another source. Office 365 accounts will be closed after June 30, 2020.