Better late than never

Cresco - With the state and country opening up a little bit after the “stay home, stay safe” guidance due to coronavirus, Howard-Winneshiek School District has found a way to let its junior and senior students celebrate some normal, annual events — prom (Saturday, June 20) and graduation (Sunday, June 21).

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds closed schools for a month starting on March 17. On April 17, it was announced schools would be closed for the rest of the school year. That meant no school-related extracurricular activities, including prom and graduation. 

 

Prom

The ladies who have already purchased their dresses can finally show them off!

Prom is taking place on Saturday, June 20, after being postponed since April 25. Just like everything else in this crazy 2020 year, it will look different.

Junior and senior prom-goers will be able to celebrate, but not with a dance. Weather permitting, the Grand March will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at the football and track stadium. It will be held through light rain but cancelled if there is lightning.

Students are encouraged to do the “normal” prom preparations . . . getting all dolled up and having pictures taken with friends and family.

Prom-goers can dress formally or dress their best, just remember school dress code rules apply.

Parents can sit in the bleachers or in lawn chairs to watch the procession, which starts at the concession stand, across the front of the bleachers and out the main entrance. Parking is available in the high school parking lot or at NICC.

 

Graduation

The formal graduation ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 21 at 2 p.m. at the football and track stadium. (An informal ceremony, that included a senior parade around Cresco, was held on the originally-scheduled day, May 17.)

Graduates are to meet at the old bus garage (directly north of the NICC building) no later than 1:15 p.m. There will be no practice, so members of the Class of 2020 are asked to be on time. Participants should wear comfortable shoes for the processional.

D’Oviion Dixon and Wyatt Curtis will be the student speakers.

Family members and graduates are encouraged to leave noise makers and other celebratory items at home as graduation is a dignified ceremony.

Family and friends may sit on the bleachers or bring lawn chairs to abide to social distancing guidelines.

Principal Chris Rogne stated, “We plan to hold the ceremony through minor adverse weather.  Tornados and/or thunderstorms with lightning will cancel the event.”