For high school seniors, events like prom and graduation are a rite of passage as they move into the next stage of their lives.
Last year, however, seniors across the county were denied these events as a result of COVID-19. But this year is different. Sedona Red Rock High School recently announced that both prom and graduation will take place with precautions in place.
“It broke my heart not to see last year’s seniors have a prom or live graduation,” Superintendent and Principal Dennis Dearden said. “We did our best to have the best virtual graduation possible. There was a lot of time, energy and money in making that possible, but nothing replaces the traditional graduation where families can see their son or daughter walk across the stage to receive their diploma.
“We made a decision this year to have a graduation and prom in the traditional way. With the exception of requiring masks, students will not be denied the opportunity that every student looks forward to their senior year.”
The graduation ceremony is set for Wednesday, May 19, at 6 p.m. in the Sedona Performing Arts Center. The students on stage will be appropriately spaced. Masks are required for everyone in attendance and the facility will be cleaned and sanitized prior to the ceremony.
There is no limit in terms of how many people can attend, but the SPAC has a seating capacity of around 750. With just 56 graduating seniors, even if they each had 10 guests, it would still be under capacity.
“The students are excited and looking forward to it,” student advisor Kim Edwards said.
The eighth-grade promotion ceremony is Thursday, May 20. It will be in the Sedona Performing Arts Center at 5:30 p.m.
This year’s prom will take place on Friday, May 21, at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. There will be a mask mandate and food will be served by volunteers rather than in a buffet style.
“The students are ecstatic there will be prom this year,” student advisor Heather Isom said. “We expect around 100 students, and one does have to be a junior or senior.”
