April 2, 2021 10:25 a.m.

Roseburg Public Schools and Roseburg High School have announced preliminary plans to celebrate the class of 2021 with a commencement ceremony and community parade on June 5th.

Principal Jill Weber said the ceremony is expected to take place in person at Finlay Field on the RHS campus. Weber said exact plans will be dependent on the county’s COVID-19 risk status at that time, as well as guidelines and requirements from the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority. Weber said currently she expects to invite students who have met graduation requirements to walk across a stage to receive their diplomas, with families invited to attend. Due to safety guidance, the number of people allowed to attend the event will likely be limited, with physical distancing and other precautions in place to ensure the safety of students, staff, families and the community. Weber said more details will be shared in the future.

Plans are also underway to celebrate students with a parade on the afternoon of June 5th. The entire community will be invited to join in this celebration with congratulatory signs along the parade route, and police and firefighters joining in the special event. The parade will begin at the former Kmart on Stewart Parkway, ending at RHS, where staff members will line the campus to greet graduates. Later this spring, the high school will be providing yard signs to each student and family to display in honor of the graduates.

Weber said, “The Class of 2021 has met the unique challenges of this school year head on with a spirit of positivity and determination, embracing new opportunities for personal and academic growth”. She said staff is proud and honored to celebrate their accomplishments, not only during their final year of high school, but throughout their entire K-12 journey.

Weber will talk more about the plans on the Morning Conversation Monday at 8:30 a.m. on News Radio 1240 KQEN.