Despite the ongoing pandemic, Messalonskee once more will assemble in the Augusta Civic Center for Graduation
Messalonskee principal Paula Callan said the senior class made clear its preference when she held a discussion with students about graduation earlier this year.
“Their clear message is they want to watch their classmates graduate,” Callan said.
And not from a video screen. They want to be there – in the same room.
And that’s what will happen. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Messalonskee once more will assemble in the Augusta Civic Center when the school holds its annual graduation ceremony Thursday, Jan. 3.
This is a departure from last June, when concerns over the coronavirus led to severe restrictions on inside gatherings, preventing any large ceremonies at the Augusta Civic Center. Instead, Messalonskee was forced to hold graduation in stages in the school’s Performing Arts Center.
The change last year was not universally embraced.
Callan said some parents initially were upset about the forced changes but that once they experienced the actual graduation their view changed and most expressed their gratitude for the efforts to make it happen.
Callan said last year turned out to be a celebration because of new elements incorporated into the event, such as a parade for graduates along the access road to Messalonskee.
A parade, which will include retiring staff as well as graduates, will also be held this year in conjunction with the senior barbecue.
The night before graduation, Callan said Messalonskee administrators and teachers had planned to make a trip to the Augusta Civic Center to section off seating with crepe paper to satisfy distancing requirements.
But federal and state guidelines on coronavirus safety guidelines have subsequently been loosened so that social distancing no longer will be required in an indoor venue such as the Civic Center.
At this point, all of those who attend graduation will be required to wear a mask, but that mandate could change given that Gov. Janet Mills on Friday announced that effective May 24 fully vaccinated individuals will not have to wear face coverings indoors.
However, the state recommends that those not fully vaccinated continue to wear masks in indoor public settings.
Whatever the guidelines are in place June 3, those involved with organizing graduation continue to have the same goal.
“We are working hard,” Callan said, “to make sure it will be a celebration that [students] will remember.”