Blackhawks drive-in commencement

CHENEY – High school officials are hoping a plan they have submitted for holding commencement will receive official state approval.

At the Wednesday, May 13, school board meeting, Superintendent Rob Roettger said they had submitted a plan to Gov. Jay Inslee's office to hold a commencement ceremony for this year's graduating class. Large gatherings of more than 10 people have been banned as one of the measures enacted in late March to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has resulted in 17,512 confirmed cases and 975 deaths statewide.

High school principal Troy Heuett said the proposal is based on the drive-in movie theater concept. The plan that was developed at a Senior All-Nighter meeting last week would have cars would park in a lot, with a stage set up for the graduates.

Heuett said they had contacted Eastern Washington University about using one of their lots but had been turned down. They have since contacted Northern Quest Resort & Casino about the possibility of using one of their lots, but had not heard back yet.

"From there we will keep searching for another parking lot if needed to host this," Heuett said, adding they wanted to make it as traditional a ceremony as possible.

On Tuesday, May 12, Spokane Public Schools received notice from the governor's office that their plan for a commencement ceremony at Joe Albi Stadium had been denied. Roettger acknowledge this to the school board.

"We just heard back today from the governor's office to Dr. (Mike) Dunn at ESD (Educational Service District 101) that guidance from the state is a couple days out yet, so we're waiting to hear," Roettger. "We're also waiting to hear general guidance around graduation on what they will and will not allow."

Roettger said they would continue to work on plans to honor this year's class of seniors.

"All that stuff is in the works and we're trying to get something in place," he added.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.