2021 Graduation

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is my pleasure to notify you of the 2021 SHS Graduation arrangements. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 12, at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the Smithfield High School football field. 

The following is the alphabetical assignment of students for each ceremony:

  • The Saturday, June 12 ceremony at 8 a.m. is for students with the last names Adams through Klinger.

  • The Saturday, June 12 ceremony at 10 a.m. is for students with the last names Kolb through Zoladkiewicz.

Due to COVID-19,  this ceremony will look a little different than in years past.  The following measures will be in place to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order regarding graduation ceremonies:

  • All attendees must wear a mask at all times.

  • Each student will be given the opportunity to invite six guests to the ceremony. Additional student guests, especially those at high-risk, will be able to watch the ceremony off-site through a live stream found on our Youtube and Facebook pages. A link to this event will be sent to the families of seniors prior to the ceremony and placed on the school website. 

  • Each student’s six guests will be seated together in the same pod.  Seating within the pod will be closer than 3 feet.  Pods will be spaced 10-feet apart from other pods. 

  • Pods will be assigned to students through a random lottery system. Each ticket will be marked with a student’s name and pod number. 

  • Guests will be required to sit in a chair within the corresponding pod number on their ticket.

  • Tickets and a map of assigned pods will be distributed at graduation practice.

  • Handicapped/wheelchair accessible seating will be made available on the track. Students will receive an email that will allow them to request a handicapped accessible seat for their guests.

  • All attendees must remain seated during the ceremony to ensure social distancing and to not disrupt the event for other families.  The only exceptions will be traveling to and from seats for arrival, departure, or restroom use.

  • Professional photographers will be onsite to take pictures during the ceremony.  All students will be photographed as they receive their diploma.  Guests will not be permitted to leave their seats during the ceremony.  

Please note, all school-issued devices, materials, and debt must be received by the school prior to the distribution of graduation tickets. A schedule for device and material collection will be communicated in May.

SHS will hold graduation practice on June 10 (last names Adams-Klinger) and 11 (last names Kolb-Zoladkiewicz). 

Seniors will also have the opportunity to participate in the traditional Senior Walk at the feeder elementary schools after their respective graduation practice. More details on graduation practice and the Senior Walk will be shared through letters, student email, Remind, the SHS website, as well as the Senior Class GoogleClassroom from Mrs. Mayes, the Senior class advisor. 

Senior exams will be held on June 7 and 8, unless otherwise directed by the teacher. 

I am thrilled we will be able to hold an in-person graduation ceremony for our seniors this year.  Congratulations, and I look forward to joining you as we celebrate and honor the SHS Class of 2021.

With Packer Pride,


Bryan Thrift

Principal