FCSD celebrating graduations with week full of events

Class of 2021 commencement is Friday; ceremonies planned for younger students

Students in the Forrest City School District are gearing up for a full slate of activities leading up to graduation on Friday.

Graduation for the Forrest City High School Class of 2021 is scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, at Sam Smith Stadium.

The annual class night festivities will begin at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, May 19, at Mustang Arena.

“Class night will have a different feel for the second consecutive year as the event, traditionally held in the auditorium at Forrest City Junior High School, will make the move to the Dwight Lofton Mustang Arena due to the pandemic,” said FCSD Public Relations Director Kendall Owens.

Last year,a drive-in class night was held in the parking lot at Mustang Arena to facilitate social distancing.

"As we celebrate the class of 2021, we also want to make sure that we're being safe as a community. The arena will allow us to provide a more socially distant atmosphere while also attempting to accommodate our seniors, their family members and friends," said Owens.

Seniors are asked to be at Mustang Arena by 6 p.m. Masks are required for the event.

The district’s graduation ceremony is also being organized so that those attending may practice social distancing.

As a social distancing measure, each senior will be given 12 tickets to the event, according to Owens.

"We are seeing progress as things open back up, but we are still in the midst of a pandemic.

Our primary concern is always the safety of our students, our staff and our community. Each of our seniors will be given 12 tickets that they will be able to give to family and friends, and we hope to have a wonderful event Friday night.”

There is a slight chance of rain in the forecast during the day Friday. Owens said the rain date for graduation will be Saturday, if the ceremony has to be postponed.

"Our hope is that we're able to host the ceremony Friday night as scheduled, but we realize that there is rain in the forecast. Even if it rains Friday morning, the drainage system at the stadium may allow the festivities to move forward, but that decision will be made based on the weather Friday. If we have rain, we're going to move the ceremony back to Saturday, with the time to be determined," said Owens.

The FCSD is not only planning ceremonies to celebrate those graduating from high school, but also other students being promoted within the district.

Central Elementary School will hold its graduation ceremony for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students on Wednesday, May 19, at 9 a.m., at Sam Smith Stadium.

The ABC Pre-school will hold its graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 26, at 9:30 a.m., at Sam Smith Stadium, and at 1 p.m., on May 26, the district will hold its eighth grade promotion ceremony at Sam Smith Stadium.

Social distancing guidelines will be followed at all district events, according to Owens.