It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the Class of 2021. 

While the school has made efforts to keep traditions, sports, and activities going; pandemic planning, social distancing concerns, and rising COVID cases have forced the cancellation of many events including the Senior Banquet which was created to take the place of prom. 

Here’s what we know about the end of the year for Dallastown seniors. 

Prom/ Senior Banquet

On March 11, Dallastown announced that the Class of 2021 would not have a prom this year, but instead, would celebrate at a banquet.

In an email from Dallastown High School, seniors learned that “Instead of a traditional prom with a DJ and dancing, this year we will be hosting a Senior Banquet” on May 8 at Wisehaven. 

According to an interview with Senior Class Advisers Mrs. French and Mrs. Turnbull last month, the school was doing its best to provide seniors with a good final year at Dallastown.

“We are doing everything we can to provide seniors with memories and experiences while still adhering to state guidelines. While this event is being labeled a banquet, our vision is for this to be PROM, minus dancing,” French said at the time.

Seniors were encouraged to dress in at least semi-formal clothing and the class officers met frequently with administrators to plan the event. 

Unfortunately, a rise in COVID cases occurred in early April shutting down the school for several days. With cases still increasing, the administration decided it was necessary to cancel the banquet. 

In an email from Dr. Fletcher he stated, “Unfortunately, we must cancel the Senior Banquet…We cannot in good conscience host an indoor event in which we cannot guarantee the CDC’s 6-foot distancing recommendation is followed (when masks are removed for eating).”

Though this year is not at all what any of us planned, Dallastown has tried its best to provide seniors with a remarkable senior year, as they are planning several other celebratory events for the seniors, not including graduation.

“These events will include the senior class celebration hosted by the senior parent party committee, a baccalaureate ceremony, and a senior awards ceremony,” says Turnbull.

In a recent email sent out from Dallastown High School on April 19, the administration recognized important updates regarding the end of year’s celebrations.

Class of 2021 Award Ceremony

On Sunday, June 6, the awards ceremony will be held at the Wildcat Stadium. This event will honor students who have made contributions to the legacy of the class of 2021.

Students who will be recognized at the ceremony will be notified prior to the event. Included in each student’s invitation will be a limited number of tickets for parents/guardians.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will not be rescheduled and awards will be mailed to recipients.

Baccalaureate 

Similar to the class of 2020, this year’s senior class will also be having a virtual Baccalaureate Ceremony.

This virtual event will be made available via email and social media on Sunday, June 6.

“If you are interested in participating in the creation of this presentation, please reach out to your class officers,” said Dallastown Administration.

Graduation 

The class of 2021’s in-person graduation ceremony will commence on Tuesday, June 8, at the Wildcat Stadium, with a rain date of June 9. 

The graduation will be split into two ceremonies. The first ceremony will be for students with last names A-L and will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. The second precession will be for students with last names M-Z and will be held from 7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Each ceremony will include its own processional, speeches, and the awarding of diplomas.

Any senior interested in being considered as a potential speaker at the event may apply by clicking here.

 All applications will be reviewed by senior class advisors, administration, and faculty. Applicants will be judged based on their Academic/Disciplinary Standing, Participation in Extra/Co-Curricular Activities, Personal accomplishments (including community service and/or leadership), and their Short answer justification for why you should be selected as a speaker at graduation. The application deadline is Friday, May 7, at 2:50 p.m.

During graduation, CDC guidelines will be followed. Face coverings must be worn at all times and social distancing will be enforced. 

Each graduate will receive four tickets. Ticket color will determine where you will be seated. No more than four people will be permitted to sit next to each other designated by ticket color.

Unneeded tickets may be shared with others, however, ticket color will still correspond to seating.

Seating will be first-come, first-serve. Seats cannot be saved or reserved and guests are not permitted to gather prior to gates opening.

Both ceremonies will be lived streamed in the same manner as previous graduations. Live streams will be available to view during and after each ceremony.

Information about the live stream will be posted on the District website and social media accounts.

Senior Party

The class party will be held at the Wildcat Stadium on Wednesday, June 9 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., with a rain date of Thursday, June 10.

This event will provide students of the Class of 2021 one last chance to be together as a whole before they part ways.

Organized by the Senior Parent Party Committee, the party will include entertainment, prize giveaways, and other opportunities to celebrate the Class of 2021.

Any senior planning on attending the event should complete this survey while logged into their Dallastown Google account, no later than June 1.

More information  about this event will be communicated at a later date.

At the end of the day, the Class of 2021 has experienced a whirlwind of a year, but these last few events will surely give seniors a few more chances to make lifelong memories with the other students with who they have grown up.

This has been in no way a normal year and as the year wraps up take the opportunity to celebrate how far each and every one of you has come.

Editor’s Note: In light of Governor Wolf’s announcement of new gathering regulations that will begin on Memorial Day, the Dallastown administration is just starting to determine what changes if any will be made to the senior celebrations. This article will be updated if any changes occur.