The Class of 2021 will roll into Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) for their graduation ceremonies in May thanks to the latest agreement between the Henry County Board of Education and speedway officials.
In June 2020, over 3,000 students from the Class of 2020 and a limited number of their guests were able to experience the grand celebration of honors and accomplishments afforded seniors as they graduate from high school and enter the next phase of their life. The events were a successful modification to original plans that called for graduation ceremonies at the end of May 2020. The effects of a global pandemic forced the district to alter plans, and a natural partnership between the district and the speedway was quickly formed.
Henry County Schools has traditionally held all 11 of its graduation ceremonies at each school’s campus on the same day, the final day of school each year. With pandemic conditions unknown for ceremonies this far in advance of the 2021 ceremonies, this large venue meets the needed requirements of district leaders, government officials, and health experts for responsible and social distancing.
Instead of two ceremonies per day like last year, district officials plan to provide each school with their own night of festivities. Additionally, enough space exists for graduates to be able to invite additional guests this year. For families and friends unable to attend the event in person, a live stream of each ceremony will be available to view on the district’s YouTube channel.
The first ceremony of 2021 will start on May 19, and the final ceremony will conclude on May 28. The schools and their ceremony dates are as follows:
•Wednesday, May 19 – Ola High School
•Thursday, May 20 – Luella High School
•Friday, May 21 – Stockbridge High School
•Saturday, May 22 – McDonough High School
•Sunday, May 23 – Locust Grove High School
•Monday, May 24 – Hampton High School
•Tuesday, May 25 – Eagle’s Landing High School
•Wednesday, May 26 – Dutchtown High School
•Thursday, May 27 – Union Grove High School
•Friday, May 28 – Woodland High School
“We are so grateful for our partnership with Atlanta Motor Speedway to once again be able to conduct grand celebrations of our seniors as a part of their graduation ceremonies,” said Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis. “The events last year were well received, and most importantly, we were able to facilitate a safe, responsible ceremony to culminate the hard work and career of our Henry County Schools seniors.”
Board Vice-Chair Holly Cobb expressed her appreciation for the partnership between the district and Atlanta Motor Speedway.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity to celebrate our seniors in a grand way,” said Cobb. “I know families will appreciate the opportunity to invite more guests for this celebration based on the seating and space opportunities at this venue.”
Further details on tickets and start times will be shared soon.
For more information on Henry County Schools, visit www.henry.k12.ga.us
