Sikeston High School outdoor commencement set for May 15

SIKESTON — Plans are underway to have Sikeston High School’s class of 2023 outdoor graduation later next month.

Sikeston High School Head Principal Dr. Doyle Noe briefed the Sikeston R-6 Board of Education on graduation procedures during Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting at Central Office in Sikeston.

The outdoor graduation will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, May 15 at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium and will use an identical setup as the 2022 graduation, the principal said.

“The stage will be located in the north end zone, and the video board will be behind,” Noe said. “Graduates will be seated in front of the stage, spaced out very similar to last year.”

Noe said he, SHS Academic Leader Katelin Henry, Superintendent Shannon Holifield, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Tiffany Morgan, Alternative Center Principal Brian James and the Board of Education will be seated on the stage.

Both sides of the stadium will be open for seating, Noe said.

“Again, this year we will not have on-the-field seating for patrons,” he said, adding patrons will be seated in the bleachers.

Students will march in and arrive at their seats at approximately 6:58 p.m. A band will perform “Pomp and Circumstance” as the students enter, and the choir will perform once the graduates are seated.

“At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will march out as they entered,” he said.

In case of inclement weather, graduation will be moved inside to the Field House, according to Noe.

All times will remain the same. If the ceremony is moved indoors, graduates will receive 10 tickets for the ceremony — four being reserved seats on the floor and six on the bleachers, the principal said.

“The school year is quickly coming to a close. I held my first senior meeting a few weeks back. Caps and gowns have been ordered and picked up by students. We have another senior meeting on April 28 for a final review with our graduates.”

Noe said he conducted a meeting with Department of Public Safety leadership, buildings and grounds and custodial services to ensure proper planning.

Currently, the class of 2023 is projected at 232 students which includes New Horizons High School students.

“We look forward to celebrating another outstanding class on May 15,” Noe said.