North Iowa to limit guests for Commencement

North Iowa High School is moving ahead with plans to hold Commencement for the Class of 2020 on the rescheduled date of Sunday, June 14 at 2 p.m. in the North Iowa Gymnasium.

The procedures for this year’s ceremony have been modified to allow for social distancing, and that includes restricting the number of guests who may attend. Principal Keri Bergeson says each graduate will be able to invite four guests to Commencement, and the ceremony will not be open to the general public. However, people not in attendance will still have the opportunity to watch the ceremony, as it will be live streamed on the internet and recorded. A link will be available on the school website at www.northiowa.org.

While the location for Commencement remains the same as in years past, the layout in the gymnasium will be different this year. Bergeson says the graduates will be spaced apart on the gym floor, while guests will be seated in the bleachers.

Weather permitting, the school plans to hold a parade for the graduates outside following the ceremony. The graduates will be line up along the east side of the school, and community members are invited to drive past the school to greet them. Graduates will be provided with baskets to collect cards, and people are asked to remain at least six feet apart.

Baccalaureate and Awards Night

This year’s graduates will also be honored with a Baccalaureate service and Awards Night at the school on June 10. Similarly, these events will not be open to the public, and each graduate will be able to bring four guests. Baccalaureate and Awards Night will also be live streamed and recorded, with a link being posted on the school website closer to June 10.