High school graduations this week in Kennebunk, Wells and Sanford
KENNEBUNK, Maine – Bring on the pomp and circumstance. The coming week is a big one for area high school seniors and their families and friends, as Kennebunk, Sanford and Wells high schools all have their graduation ceremonies.
Kennebunk High School
First up will be the Rams of Kennebunk High School, who will graduate this Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m., at KHS.
The ceremony will be held outdoors in the high school’s parking lot, according to KHS Principal Susan Cressey. A stage will be set up facing the lot, and small groups of socially distanced graduates will cross it to collect diplomas earned under the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon receiving their diplomas, graduates will return to their cars to watch their peers collect theirs.
“Graduates will each have one parking space for their family,” Cressey said in an email. “All are expected to wear masks.”
Family members and friends of the Class of 2020 who will not be attending the ceremony on Sunday can watch it remotely, streaming online at www.rsu21.net/livestream.
A videographer has been hired to produce a video of the commencement ceremony that will include pre-recorded speeches by valedictorian Ethan Eickmann, salutatorian Mia Banglemaier and faculty speaker Frederick Follansbee, Cressey said.
There are more details on the RSU 21 website: www.rsu21.net.
Sanford High School
Next up will be the Spartans of Sanford High School’s Class of 2020, who will graduate this Wednesday, June 10, during a “drive-through” commencement ceremony that’ll start turning keys in ignitions at 4 p.m. After the ceremony, the graduates will travel north on Main Street in their vehicles from the high school on Alumni Boulevard in South Sanford to Springvale at 7 p.m.
“This will give the community and those unable to attend the ceremony an opportunity to applaud and acknowledge the Class of 2020 and their accomplishments,” SHS Principal Matthew Petermann said in a recent letter to the community.
The SHS campus will be closed to the public before and during the “drive-through” ceremony, with police officers on site to ensure the restrictions, according to Petermann.
Graduates and their families must remain in their vehicles until otherwise directed, Petermann added. One vehicle per graduate, per household, will be allowed on campus for the ceremony.
In their caps and gowns, graduates will gather in their vehicles on the southeast side of the high school starting at 3 p.m. Graduates must be passengers, not drivers, as they will be exiting their vehicles upon approaching the stage, where they will line up and collect their diplomas, Petermann said.
Valedictorian Paige Cote, salutatorian Cynthia Bellevance and a member of the faculty will read their speeches live. Afterward, the parade will advance toward the stage. Graduates will be directed as to when they may get out of their vehicles and join the line for their diplomas.
Family members will be allowed to film their graduate as he or she receives a diploma, Petermann said. Studio By the Pond will be on hand to take photographs of each graduate, diploma on hand, and will make them available for sale.
After receiving their diplomas, the graduates must return to their cars. They’re welcome to stay for the rest of the ceremony in their vehicles or return for the motorcade that will start at 7 p.m.
Sanford High also is making the proceedings accessible online for family members and friends who are unable to attend. WSSRTV Channel 25 in Sanford will livestream the proceedings on its YouTube channel. Also, The Legends – FM 104.3 and AM 1220 on your radio dial – will broadcast the ceremony live.
If it rains, Sanford High will hold the ceremony the next day, Thursday, June 11, at 4 p.m.
Wells High School
The Warriors of Wells High School’s Class of 2020 will wrap up the week of pomp and circumstance with a commencement ceremony fit for the silver screen: on Thursday, June 11, they will go to the Saco Drive-in at 969 Portland Road in Saco to watch a film made of each of them receiving their diploma on stage at Memorial Field on May 26. Gates will open at 8:15 p.m. Showtime is at 9 p.m.
According to WHS Principal Eileen Sheehy, seniors were given individual appointments to report to WHS on May 26, hand in their school materials, and pick up their caps and gowns. Afterward, each senior donned their graduation garb, drove out to Memorial Field, walked up onto the stage, and received their diploma from school officials. Once finished, the senior drove away, and the next one drove up. Each moment was recorded by Matt Booth, of Majestic Videographers.
The film also will include addresses to the graduates by Sheehy, valedictorian Gwen Wallingford, and local teachers Donna Longley, Ellen Rodman and Kevin O’Shaughnessy. For those unable to attend the showing, the film will be available online at the district’s website, www.k12wocsd.net, at the same time as the event at the drive-in.
Sheehy expressed appreciation to Booth, Assistant Principal Joshua Gould, Matt Roberge of the Saco Drive-in, and Cindy and Tim Roche, the advisers to the Class of 2020, for working with her and others to put together the event next Thursday.
“We’re very much looking forward to the evening that we can celebrate together,” Sheehy said.
Before Thursday, the graduates of Wells High will have a Tribute Parade, which will proceed in a motorcade south on Route 1, from Messiah Christ Church to the Ogunquit Playhouse, this Sunday, June 7, at 1 p.m.
Graduates are asked to arrive at the church at 2700 Post Road at noon. Cars that are decorated for the occasion will be judged at 12:30 p.m. and winners will be announced in three categories: Best in Show, Most Spirit, and Best Message.
Individual photographs of each graduate in his or her cap and gown will be taken at 12:45 p.m.
Families and friends are encouraged to bring lawn signs celebrating their senior and line the parade route. Social distancing guidelines will be in place along the route, according to the WOCSD website.