Commencement Ceremonies
Sunday, June 6, 2021
2:00 PM & 4:30 PM
Announcement
We are excited to announce the graduation plans for the Class of 2021. We must still abide by the Governor’s Executive Orders and guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Education. This page will briefly explain the guidance, graduations options considered, and related frequently asked questions.
Description:
St. Croix Prep will hold two ceremonies in the gymnasium on Sunday, June 6. One will be held at 2:00 pm and the other at 4:30 pm. Each graduate will be allowed six (6) guests. The graduating class is approximately 90; each ceremony would include half of the graduating class. Faculty attendance will be reduced to maximize family attendance.
Safety Precautions:
Per MDH guidelines, we can seat family groups (may not exceed six people) together, but physical distancing of six (6) feet must be maintained between groups. Face coverings will be required. The facility will be cleaned between ceremonies.
Live Streaming:
The event will be live-streamed; and we will consider overflow seating/viewing in the PAC.
PHYSICAL CAPACITY CONSIDERATIONS
There are many factors that went into this decision, with capacity of our facility being critical in our decision making. Per MDH guidance issued on March 12, our physical spaces have the following capacity:
Facility
Capacity
Gymnasium
365
Outdoor Stadium
Note: We used the dimensions of the football field since this is the approximate space would be used for seating/viewing of the commencement ceremony.
478
PAC
155
Auxiliary Gym
228
Note: Each space has a different capacity calculation based on whether it is an outdoor or indoor venue, occupant capacities based on code, etc.
GRADUATION OPTIONS CONSIDERED
Given the capacity restrictions, these are the graduation options that were considered:
Indoor Ceremony with Full Attendance of Graduates
Description
Complete ceremony with full attendance by graduates.
Reason for Elimination
Due to capacity restrictions, each graduate would be limited to two (2) guests.
Indoor Ceremony with Full Attendance of Graduates/Guests at a non-Prep Location
Description
Complete ceremony with full attendance by graduates, faculty, parents, family, and guests.
Reason for Elimination
Typical attendance at graduations is between 700-800 attendees. Due to MDH guidelines, we would need a space that has indoor seating that accommodates approximately 1,600. These sites are booked and cost prohibitive.
Outdoor Ceremony at Prep Field
Description
Complete ceremony with full attendance by graduates
Reason for Elimination
- Guest Restriction. Due to capacity of the field (478), each graduate would be limited to four (4) guests.
- Viewing Experience. Due to physical distancing of groups, there would be some families who would be at least 50 yards from the stage.
- Weather Implications. Weather is unpredictable and an indoor back-up plan would be required.
- Family Planning. A single outdoor ceremony planned at 2:00 pm may be canceled with a backup plan of a 2:00 pm ceremony with graduates + 3 or two ceremonies (2:00 pm and 4:30 pm) with graduates + 6.
CONCLUSION
Due to the current Executive Orders and guidance from MDH and MDE, we believe the option currently being planned is best as it allows for a traditional graduation experience (e.g., welcome speeches, student speakers, music, etc.) with the most graduate guests. In addition, if the weather is favorable, we would be able to host an outdoor reception between ceremonies. This would allow for safe gathering, pictures, and celebration in the auxiliary gym and outdoor spaces.
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL of this is subject to change based on guidance or mandate from Governor Walz, the Minnesota Department of Health, or the Minnesota Department of Education.