With football field under construction, Albion outdoor graduation shifts to front lawn by back of high school

Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion graduates toss their caps at the conclusion of the commencement on June 24, 2022. The graduates sat on chairs on the football field. The previous year, the grads sat in the bleachers for commencement with family and friends in seats on the football field.

ALBION – The Class of 2023 made it clear to school district leaders they wanted commencement to stay outside.

The previous two years the ceremony was held at the football field. For decades the ceremony was held inside the high school gym.

But this year the football field is under construction with a turf field to replace grass.

The senior class and school district have found an alternative outdoor location: the front lawn between the high school and middle school.

This spot was used for an outdoor band concert on June 11, 2021. It was the first live concert at the school district in the Covid pandemic. Albion was prevented by Covid restrictions from doing in-person concerts beginning in the middle of March 2020.

Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, said attendees for graduation will be welcome to bring their own lawnchairs to enjoy the ceremony that is scheduled for 7 p.m. on  June 23. A rain date will be June 24 with the ceremony at either 11 a.m. or 4 p.m.

Seniors also are set for their prom this Friday at Hickory Ridge Country Club in Murray, and then Class Night in the Middle School Auditorium at 7 p.m. on June 16.

Edwards said the graduation ceremony is expected to return to the football field in 2024.

Albion held a band concert outdoors on June 11, 2021 on the lawn at the back of the high school. That area will be used for the graduation ceremony scheduled for June 23.