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Broken Arrow Class of 2021 graduation to be held at Memorial Stadium May 20

January 11, 2021

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Broken Arrow Public Schools is excited to announce that the Class of 2021 will graduate at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at Memorial Stadium located on Broken Arrow High School's campus. This date is contingent on COVID-19 guidelines. The makeup dates are May 21 or May 22 if rain is expected in the forecast.

“In a survey completed by 1,300 students, parents/guardians and patrons, it was determined that 62.3 percent would prefer to hold graduation at Memorial Stadium again this year,” Director of Student Life and Activities Christian Welborn said. “Following our ceremony last year, we received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback because parents and students felt that Memorial Stadium held more sentimental value.”

Prior to COVID-19, the district held graduation at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa. However, due to increased venue costs associated with the pandemic, Broken Arrow Public Schools relocated its graduation ceremony from the BOK Center to Broken Arrow High School's Memorial Stadium in June 2020. 

“The venue change provided an opportunity to embrace new experiences,” Welborn said. “Some of our students’ best memories are made on our campus, and for last year’s graduates, it was fitting for them to experience some of their last memories by closing out their time at Broken Arrow on their own turf. I’m excited for the Class of 2021 to be able to do the same.”

Due to the fluidity of the situation, some details will remain unknown until the date approaches, including the number of patrons able to safely attend and the guidelines for appropriate social distancing among spectators and students.

“The district will continue to follow protocols provided by the CDC, the Tulsa Health Department and local health officials,” Superintendent Dr. Janet Vinson said. “The additional floor space on Tiger Field allows for appropriate social distancing of our seniors, and we are actively developing a plan for patrons based on current guidelines. We appreciate the support of our families and patrons as we continue to navigate uncharted waters together. I can’t wait to celebrate our incredible seniors in a safe manner that honors their hard work.” 

More information will be available in the coming months.