On June 1 at 2 p.m., Bloomington South will, sadly, be saying goodbye to its graduate class of 2019. Graduation is a momentous occasion for not only the students involved but also the parents, family members and teachers as they bid farewell and celebrate all of their students’ hard work over the collective years before they take their next step into a whole new world.

Math teacher Torin Whitehead, the head organizer of this year’s graduation, has been working around the clock to ensure the graduation is “as special as [it can be] for the graduates and their families.” This is the fifth year that the graduation ceremony will take place at the South gym and each year the gym is “completely transformed.”

“It doesn’t feel like [the] gym when we get done decorating, with the lighting- it’s really nice,” Whitehead said. “The seniors get their diplomas on graduation day, [and] that’s not common at a lot of other schools.”

Those attending the graduation on June 1 should plan to arrive at South before 2; doors will be open to the public at 1. Parking is available at the school.

As for ticketing, all seniors are given six tickets to give to any attending family members prior to the graduation. However, tickets will be available at the doors for those were unable to obtain ones, as long as there are extras.

“We’ve been able to fit everyone in that’s wanted to be there,” Whitehead assured.

Two hours is the “safest bet” for the duration of the ceremony, which will include many moving speeches from teachers and students alike. Seniors have signed up to speak at this year’s graduation and Whitehead, who has heard their selected speeches, is “really excited for the people…[who] are getting to speak.” Senior Lucy Anderson’s speech, for example, is especially unique as she includes many thanks to the school janitors and cafeteria workers by name; “that is something that I found really special about [Lucy’s],” Whitehead said.

At the end of the ceremony, parents and students will be asked to leave the gym so that everyone can exit safely. If parents wish to take pictures in the gym, they are “really welcome to come back in” after the space has been cleared. Whitehead also recommends taking graduation photos outside with some trees or by the atrium if the weather is nice.

We hope to see you there! This year’s graduation will be a memorable moment for many years to come.