Manhattan High School Principal Michael Dorst has announced the cancellation of the planned Aug. 2 MHS in-person commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 at Bishop Stadium.
Dorst noted that Riley County's current gathering size limit is 50 people and in discussions with the Riley County Health Department this week that limit could increase with the next health order, but not to the needed size of 1,500 to 2,000 people.
Dorst said there communications with K-State throughout the summer about the possibility of using their facilities and that continues to not be an option.
Two options have been developed for Class of 2020 graduates to be honored if they choose to participate.
On Sunday Aug. 2 between noon and 4 p.m. they can come to the MHS West Campus with family members and receive their diploma cover in their cap and gown and have a photo opportunity. Diploma covers will be on a graduation table with decorations, balloons and Manhattan High School as the backdrop. There is not any need to schedule a specific time for this to occur because school officials will be flexible.
Graduates also have the option of being included in the MHS commencement in-person ceremony on Sunday, May 9th at 2 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum. Graduates will need to keep their cap and gown, and will need to notify Janelle Walters at [email protected] by Thursday, April 1, 2021.
Commencement speeches for the Class of 2020 by Will Bannister and Allen Zhang to record their commencement speeches and post them on multiple social media sites.