Following recent changes to North Carolina’s COVID-related restrictions, RRGSD has updated its plans for the 2021 Commencement Exercises for both Roanoke Rapids High School and Roanoke Rapids Early College.
“Since the mass gathering and social distancing restrictions have been lifted by Governor Roy Cooper, it gives us more flexibility in our 1500 seat auditorium and allows more people to attend in person,” said Dr. Dain Butler, Superintendent.
The 22 Roanoke Rapids Early College High School graduates will be given 15 tickets for family and friends and each of the 204 RRHS graduates will receive five graduation tickets.
The state’s mask mandate remains intact for schools. Therefore, all guests will be required to wear a mask inside the building. The district is providing each graduate with a commemorative mask to wear with their respective school’s logo.
Roanoke Rapids Early College Commencement is scheduled for this Friday, May 21, 2021, at 8 p.m. in the Roanoke Rapids High School Auditorium. Roanoke Rapids High School Commencement will be held May 28, 2021, at 8 p.m.
Both ceremonies will follow tradition with a few modifications including student speeches and the diploma presentation by The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Trustees. The district plans to live stream both ceremonies on its YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person.
The annual Baccalaureate service is this Sunday, May 23 in the RRHS Auditorium at 5 p.m. This service is optional for all graduates of both high schools. Masks will also be required for everyone who chooses to attend in person. It will also be live streamed on RRGSD’s YouTube channel.