NHS to hold special senior parade, virtual graduation

By Everett Brazil, III

The Newkirk Herald Journal

NEWKIRK — Newkirk High School graduation ceremonies have taken place Saturday mornings at Mark Branch Fieldhouse for many years as family and fellow students send the seniors off to a bright future, with much fanfare. Starting with the Class of 2020, ceremonies return to Friday evening, and in a special new location, inside the new basketball gym, complete with a parade leading up to the facility.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. at Lions Park West, where the students will begin a parade in their cars down Maple to Ninth Street, and West to Academy, where they will drive to the gym.

The graduation program will begin at 6:30, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance will be limited.

“Each graduate will have a limited number of guests with them,” said Principal Kevin Engle. “Each graduate will walk across the stage and then leave.”
For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be placed on YouTube, along with the Valedictorian and Salutatorian speeches. The community is asked to attend the parade.

“We encourage he community to find special place along the parade route to watch the parade  of graduates,” Engle said.