West Tennessee schools prepare for graduation

April 21, 2020

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

JACKSON, Tenn. — When you look back on your senior year, you may remember traditions like prom and graduation, but for one group of students that may look different.

(Photo Credit: Hardin County High School Baseball)

A generation born around 9/11 is now graduating high school during a pandemic.

“It’s sad, and you really miss seeing the kids coming in everyday and talking with them and their parents. They didn’t think they’d miss it as much as they do, but they’re missing being around their friends and teachers,” Hardin County High School principal William McAdams said.

McAdams said Hardin County High School seniors are currently scheduled to graduate on May 22, with a back up date of June 19.

The University of Tennessee Extension is planning something special for seniors.

“They are going to sponsor getting every graduating senior’s picture on a yard sign, and they’ll put those around the school parking lot,” McAdams said.

Several West Tennessee school officials say they’re still working out graduation plans.

“As of right now, we are still holding on to the hope that we’ll be able to have graduation on the scheduled dates. However, after May 1 we’re going to kind of reassess and see what the outlook is,” superintendent for the Gibson County Special School District Eddie Pruett said.

Pruett said he hopes to hold graduation on May 14 for South Gibson County High School and May 15 for Gibson County High School, but planned alternative dates in June and July.

“If we have to do alternate dates, the schools do have plans for having a video tribute ceremony on the date and time of the original scheduled graduation,” Pruett said.

Many schools took to social media with videos and pictures to spotlight their graduating classes. Some even posted their student athletes’ banners outside for the community to see.

Others also plan on making yard signs with senior pictures.

School Graduation Plans:

Jackson-Madison County Schools – Graduation plans TBD.
Union City High School – May 16, 6 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium. Each graduate receives six tickets for family members, with assigned seating for family on the field. Social distancing guidelines will be in place.
Milan Special School District – Graduation is scheduled for May 15 with June 26 as the back up date.
West Carroll – Graduation is scheduled for May 14, the district is still working on back up dates. Cap and gown pickup is April 24 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and you can only enter through the back doors of the main gym.
Dyer County High School – Graduation date TBD.
Dyersburg High School – Scheduled for May 15, with June 26 or July 24 as backup dates.
Jackson Christian School – Graduation date TBD.
Adamsville High School – Graduation set for May 21, working on back up dates.
University School of Jackson – Graduation date TBD.
Riverside High School – Graduation TBD.
McKenzie High School – Scheduled for May 17, 3 p.m. at the McKenzie High School Gym, with May 30 at 3 p.m. as the back up. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. Each graduate gets six tickets for family members.
Henry County High School – Graduation TBD.
Benton County Schools – Moved from May 15 to June 12. Big Sandy will start at 6 p.m. Camden will start at 7:30 p.m.
Crockett County High School – Graduation set for June 19, but subject to change.
Haywood High School – Graduation postponed, new date TBD.