KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County Schools are planning to hold a graduation ceremony in mid-June after all.
Initially, the school system had said no guests would be allowed at graduation ceremonies.
Parents and students had voiced their concerns after the school system announced initially that the tentative plan was not going to allow guests in-person. Knox Co. Mayor Glenn Jacobs also weighed in, saying that parents should be allowed to be there.
School leaders responded on Wednesday when Superintendent Bob Thomas announced they would plan to hold in-person graduations from June 8-19 with a limited number of guests. The ceremonies would also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend.
"I’m disappointed that we were unable to have traditional ceremonies as scheduled at Thompson-Boling Arena this week. But my hope is that this alternative plan will enable our community to celebrate seniors while protecting the health and well-being of our community," Thomas tweeted. "I’m so proud of our graduates, and look forward to seeing them in person next month!"
Graduations will be held at each schools football field, except for Career Magnet Academy, Paul Kelley Academy and L&N STEM Academy. Those schools will have graduation ceremonies at Central High School.
KCS released a full schedule below. The plans could also change depending on how the county needs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
KCS is asking attendees to follow precautionary guidelines such as social distancing, wearing a mask or cloth face covering, and staying at home if experiencing any symptoms such as fever or cough.
Graduation Schedule
Monday, June 8
9 a.m. – Halls High School
7 p.m. – Powell High School
Tuesday, June 9
9 a.m. – Karns High School
7 p.m. – South-Doyle High School
Wednesday, June 10
Rain Date
Thursday, June 11
9 a.m. – Carter High School
Noon – Ridgedale School
7 p.m. – Fulton High School
Friday, June 12
9 a.m. – Austin-East High School
Noon – K.A.E.C.
7 p.m. – Gibbs High School
Saturday, June 13
9 a.m. – Central High School
7 p.m. – Bearden High School
Monday, June 15
9 a.m. – Paul Kelley Academy (at Central High)
7 p.m. – Hardin Valley Academy
Tuesday, June 16
9 a.m. – L&N STEM Academy (at Central High)
7 p.m. – Career Magnet Academy (at Central High)
Wednesday, June 17
Rain Date
Thursday, June 18
7 p.m. – West High School
Friday, June 19
7 p.m. – Farragut High School
Saturday, June 20
Rain Date
