NEWS
Anthony Jasso
Chronicle Reporter
It’s official. Graduation will be at the Hollywood Bowl after 95% of seniors voting agreed to pay the $100 fee to do so rather than hold graduation on the school football field at no charge. Seniors are allowed eight guests at the Hollywood Bowl.
There will be a few changes and accommodations. For instance, students won’t be sitting on stage but in the bleachers and walk up on stage while socially distancing 12 feet apart. They will retrieve their diplomas and return to their seats. Also, students must get COVID tested and get a Daily Pass. In order to comply with this requirement, LAUSD COVID test appointments will be available for graduating seniors on June 5 from 8 am to 4 pm, June 7 from 7:30 am to 7 pm, and June 8 from 7:30am to 7 pm at all LAUSD testing sites. Mobile COVID testing sites will be available at campuses from June 7 to June 9 from the hours of 7:30 am to 3 pm.
For graduation, the valedictorian and salutatorian will present speeches. If seniors desire, they can enter into the Special Graduation Speech Contest so that they may present their own speech. This is open to all seniors, all you would need to do is email the copy and recording of your speech to Samuel Dovlatian, assistant principal. Just remember that your speech has a two page maximum.
When it comes to caps and gowns, students will have to either purchase them at the student store to keep or they will have to fill out and submit their rental agreement to the student store. Those who purchase the cap and gown, the price is $9.85. What color gown one receives depends on whether you have submitted the white cap and gown application. Requirements for what cap and gown: a cumulative LAUSD grade point average of 3.7 or higher, no Ds, fails, or Us on your current report card. If you meet these requirements and submit the application, then you should expect to graduate in white. Caps and gowns along with all other senior merchandise will be ready for pick up on June 7 on campus. That includes the senior sweater that can be ordered online.
Due to seniors graduating, the grades are due at a faster pace in comparison to the other students. Mark your calendars for May 28 as the official day that grades are due for seniors. These grades will also be what determines your eligibility to graduate.
As far as prom, a traditional in-person prom is not allowed, whether it is outside or not. If you were considering a drive-thru prom event you would have to consult the local district Administrator of Operations. At this time, virtual prom is being highly encouraged. In terms of senior activities, they too are not being allowed as of yet, and that goes for a traditional grad night.
Last but not least, June 7 is the Achieve The Honorable ceremony. On this day scholarships will be announced via Zoom at 5pm.
Further insight on questions for graduation and other senior concerns is to be addressed in the near future.
Thanks so much for such an informative piece!