Seniors who attend Wichita Public Schools asked for a traditional cap and gown ceremony, and Superintendent Alicia Thompson said the district will make it happen.
Thompson announced Friday that in-person graduation ceremonies will be held July 25 and 26 at Intrust Bank and Century II.
The academic year was cut short when Gov. Laura Kelly closed schools in March because of the pandemic. For the Class of 2020, that meant several big events were canceled, including graduation.
“We heard you loud and clear tell us that you wanted all of the pomp and circumstance that surrounds a traditional graduation ceremony,” Thompson said in a video posted to social media. “From walking across the stage in your cap and gown, to turning that tassel and tossing your cap when graduation becomes official.”
All seven of the district’s high schools plus Northeast Magnet and Chester Lewis Academy will hold commencement exercises.
The district said public health protocols will be followed at the events. They will mirror the protocols in place at the time of the graduations.
Updated information will be shared with students by their principals.
Here is the list of commencements.
Saturday, July 25
Intrust Bank Arena
- 11 a.m. – Southeast High School
- 3 p.m. – Northwest High School
- 7 p.m. – South High School
Century II
- 11 a.m. – West High School
- 3 p.m. – Chester Lewis Academy
- 7 p.m. – Northeast Magnet High School
Sunday, July 26
Intrust Bank Arena
- 11 a.m. – East High School
- 3 p.m. – Heights High School
- 7 p.m. – North High School
Nicole Grimes is an intern in the KMUW News Lab.
