In the email sent out  to all seniors and their parents on Apr. 27, 2021, Independence principal Mr. John Gabriel mentioned that “the graduation ceremony for Independence High School will take place on June 17, at 9 a.m. at the stadium rain or shine.” 

The last day of school for seniors will be Friday, June 4. The first graduation rehearsal will begin this day, and all seniors are required to attend the rehearsal in-person. The rehearsal will be held, socially distanced, at the stadium. Students should report directly to the stadium at 9:30 a.m. to take attendance. On that day, students may also pick up their cap, gown and yard sign if they haven’t yet done so. Yearbooks will also be distributed on the same day to the seniors who purchased them, as well as academic pins and other medals of honor.

The senior awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 3 at 11:15 a.m. To remain under the governor’s guidance, parents and other guests are not permitted to attend the ceremony in-person, but there will be a live stream of the ceremony for the parents to watch. There will also be a second and final required graduation rehearsal on June 16. Students will be given information about how to obtain their tickets for the ceremony. According to the state guidelines set for LCPS graduation, all LCPS students will receive five tickets per person for family and loved ones who wish to attend in-person.

Each ceremony will take place in the school’s main outdoor stadium. On graduation day, students are required to report to the school building at 8 a.m. in order to prepare for the ceremony. Through a donation from two realtors, Alison Harris Burke and Heather Heppe, all seniors will receive matching three-layer masks for the ceremony.

Principal Gabriel will continue to update parents and seniors about graduation details and other senior information as graduation approaches.