Hope High School

HOPE — The Hope High School Class of 2020 will go virtual May 29; but, there are some preparations necessary prior to the digital pomp and circumstance.

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HHS will have an on-line commencement, the first ever, as a result of the closure of all public schools in Arkansas during the COVID-19 illness.

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HHS Principal Bill Hoglund went online on Facebook May 1 to remind seniors of the preparations and timeline necessary for the big event.

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A diploma drive-through will be conducted in the HHS bus line in front of the MAC complex entrance on May 8 from 5-7 p.m.

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“You will get your regalia, honor cords, HHS stoles, completer cords, and everything you will wear for graduation,” Hoglund said.

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Caps and gowns have already been similarly distributed; and, students are asked to stay in their vehicle with their name prominently displayed on the passenger side window when on campus May 8.

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Hoglund said seniors may, then, dress in their graduation regalia and produce a 30-60 second video clip to be included in a professionally created YouTube broadcast on May 29 at 6 p.m. He said videos will be presented in conjunction with each student’s senior cap and gown photo.

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“Every student who does a video will have it included in the ceremony,” Hoglund said. “You may want to thank your family, or give a shout out to a teacher or someone. Parents, we ask you to help your student do all that because you will want that keepsake.”

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Hoglund emphasized the deadline for video clips is May 13.

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He said an email with detailed instructions regarding graduation has been sent to each senior student.

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Noted artist and HHS graduate Steven Walden, of St. Louis, is the scheduled commencement speaker, Hoglund said.

Hope High School Principal Bill Hoglund was on camera May 1 to produce a Facebook video for HHS seniors regarding plans and schedules for the first-ever virtual commencement ceremonies for Hope High School. Hope Public Schools IT Coordinator Jeff Madlock and IT Tech Nathan Nims produced the video, as well as ceremony videos of Hope Public Schools and HHS administrators to be used in a YouTube virtual graduation May 29 at 6 p.m. — Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools