The 102nd Eastern Mennonite High School commencement for Eastern Mennonite School will take place Saturday, June 13, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The event celebrating the graduation of 39 students will take place outside the school auditorium for students, families, teachers and staff, and invited guests.

WATCH A LIVE STREAM OF THE CEREMONY

Details of the event have been coordinated by Justin King, high school principal, together with class advisers, senior parent representatives, and EMS technology team, and in consultation with Paul Helmuth, administrative officer for Harrisonburg Fire and Rescue.

Due to social restrictions in place due to COVID-19 and a commitment to keeping everyone safe, participants will remain in their cars throughout the program. As their name is read, each student will pick up their diploma and a rose, pose for a picture, and return to their car. The number of people outside cars at any one time will total no more than 10.

Shannon Roth, EMHS class of ’03, government teacher and senior class adviser, will be the commencement speaker at the seniors’ request. Student speakers will be Ava Galgano and Abby Stapleton, who will be recognized for their academic achievements.

“We looked at a number of models for how we could celebrate our seniors at this time,” said Principal King. “Everyone agreed that we are a community, and we wanted to be together to see each student cross the stage. The cloud of witnesses in the parking lot will cheer and help us feel virtually close, even though we can’t be physically close.”

The ceremony will be live streamed on the school’s el canal de YouTube beginning at 2:30 p.m. Those in attendance will be able to listen clearly in their cars by tuning into a station (details shared in the program), thanks to a low power transmitter, courtesy of WMRA/WEMC.

See information on all commencement celebrations here.

Media inquiries for the event should contact Andrea Wenger, director of advancement, wengera@easternmennonite.org or 540-560-2237.