Paris, Tenn.–With an eye on the weather, Henry County High School Principal Michele Webb announced today that graduation will be set up both inside and outdoors for Friday night. Graduation is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 22.
Webb provided the following update to faculty, students, parents and the media:
I know many of you have been watching the forecast heavily, so I wanted to provide an update.
In my many years in Henry County, there has been a threat of rain or rain on graduation day almost every single year. In fact, a few years ago, there was no chance of rain, and it still rained! Surprisingly, the ceremony has been able to be outdoors for all of those years. Because of this year’s forecast, we have adjusted our set up plans a bit.
At this time, our plan is to have graduation at Patriot Stadium.
As we have continued to watch the forecast this week, we decided to go ahead and set up both Patriot Stadium (for an outdoor ceremony) and Gamlin Gym (in case needed for an indoor ceremony).
In essence, we will have two locations prepared, and the weather will determine which location we need to use. This also allows us to practice indoors if needed; though, the ceremony would hopefully still be outside.
Some things you will want to know IF we have to move indoors…
**When would I know if the ceremony is moved indoors?
Our goal is to have the ceremony at Patriot Stadium. We will not make a decision to move indoors unless it is absolutely necessary, but no later than 5:30 pm.
**Where would the graduation ceremony be held if moved indoors?
Gamlin Gymnasium
**How many guest tickets would each graduate receive?
Four (4)
**When will tickets be given?
Each eligible graduate will receive 4 guest tickets at practice tomorrow, to be used only in the event the ceremony is moved indoors.
**Who will need a ticket?
If the ceremony is moved inside, each person entering Gamlin Gymnasium must present a ticket, regardless of age. Please realize this includes children of any age.
If the event is outdoors (as planned for), tickets are not needed, and there is no limit as to the number of guests.
**What if a ticket is lost?
Lost tickets will not be replaced.
**How would I know if the ceremony is moved indoors?
An email will be sent and information will be posted on our Facebook page.
**Will the Livestream still be available if the ceremony is moved indoors?
Yes. The Livestream will be available whether graduation happens outdoors or indoors.
**If the ceremony is moved indoors, what time can we enter?
If graduation is moved indoors, the doors to enter the school will open at 6:45 pm.
**What about my questions that have not yet been answered?
IF we have to move indoors, the email tomorrow afternoon should answer most of those, including questions such as…Where do we park? Where do we enter? When can we enter? Thank you in advance for your patience.
Please keep in mind that we will keep you updated if plans change. Our two ways of communication will be through the parent email and the HCHS Facebook page (Henry County High School – Paris, Tennessee). Please be cautious of social media posts unless they come officially from us on our official page.
Photo of 2024 graduation set up by Forever Communications.