BHS Senior News
May 3, 2021
A letter from Mrs. DeMaio
Congratulations, your senior is almost ready for graduation from Buchanan High School. I am sending this communication to you in hopes to shed some light on the plans that administrators, teachers and class officers have been working on to commemorate this milestone of completing high school. Although we understand that many of you were looking forward to the traditional events, we are planning for as many senior events as close to traditional as possible.
June 11 will mark the end of one phase for graduates and the beginning of another. Buchanan High School graduates have worked hard for their diplomas. I am proud of each of them and look forward to seeing each take their place as leaders in the economic, political and social institutions of our great country.
I look forward to seeing you at all of our graduation events.
Sincerely,
Stacey DeMaio
Buchanan High School Principal
Graduation Speeches - Due May 4
Typed versions of potential graduation speeches due to Mrs. Hess or Mrs. Neal. All seniors are welcome to audition to speak at graduation. For a complete list of guidelines, please go to the Senior Webpage, and click on Ceremonies. Auditions will be held on May 11th.
Senior Video pictures - Due May 14
Decision Day Slides - Due May 21
Baccalaureate - May 23
Honors Convocation & Senior Dinner - June 3
This event will take place at Centennial Park, where students will have a seated picnic dinner. School memories will be celebrated as well as student accomplishments. Awards, caps and gowns, graduation tickets and seating, letters to self, and honor cords will be distributed. Seniors should make their reservations to Mrs. Neal or Mrs. Hess and pay a nonrefundable fee of $15.00 by the end of May 28. Students will receive a ticket that must be turned in to redeem their meal at the event. Once the event is over, students are encouraged to put on their caps and gowns and take pictures around campus. Due to space limitations, this is a student only event.
Graduation - June 11
Scholarships
Scholarship Page: http://guidance.buchananschools.com/bhs-currently-available-scholarships.html
End of Year COVID guidance
Important things to remember:
Buchanan Commencement has been pleasant and dignified for many years. Please help us keep Commencement an important and respectful ceremony. Your cooperation with the following is appreciated:
1. To walk in graduation, seniors must have met all academic requirements for a Buchanan High School diploma.
2. Seniors must take care of all debts (missing or damaged athletic equipment/uniforms, books, chromebooks, chargers, and other school supplies) no later than Thursday, June 4. Any remaining outstanding debts will result in a student not being able to walk in the graduation ceremony. A letter from Mr. Pruett for seniors who currently have an outstanding debt will be sent out this month.
3. Individual pictures of each senior, in cap and gown, will be taken on the day of graduation beginning at 5:30 PM in the auxilary gym. These pictures will be used to create a class composite photo. This will be a “closed” photo session.
4. A photographer will be at Commencement to take photos on the field.
5. A flyer with ordering information for all graduation photos will be provided inside the diploma holders seniors receive on the field.
6. Family guests are limited to 4 per graduate and will be seated on the field with their graduate.
7. Please do not put individual names on banners or in Styrofoam cups in the fence or with similar methods. Also, all handheld signs are prohibited to ensure everyone has an unblocked view of the ceremony.
8. Dr. Harvey Burnett, School Board President, will remain after the ceremony to re-enact the granting of the diploma to anyone who wishes a photo.
9. Please have your son or daughter dress in appropriate attire for graduation so as not to detract from the program. Heels are strongly discouraged as we will be on the field. Gowns that have been altered will not be allowed. Caps may be tastefully decorated, however anything deemed inappropriate will jeopardize participation in the graduation ceremony.
10. We urge you to speak to your graduate about his/her behavior during Commencement. Squirt guns, water bottles, beach balls, etc. are inappropriate for what is a dignified ceremony. Please speak with your son/daughter about this day. This is a dignified occasion and your cooperation will be appreciated.
11. On a more personal note I ask for your help in encouraging your graduate to act responsibly during the graduation party season. Drinking and driving do not mix. There will, I assume, be numerous opportunities for students to celebrate in an “adult” manner. I realize this is a concern for all of us and together we can help encourage the Class of 2021 to have a wonderful, safe and sober graduation season.