Ottawa High School lays out plans for graduation, prom

While plans remain tentative, Ottawa High School’s graduation will be returning to something more traditional as was done in years prior to 2020.

Superintendent Michael Cushing said at 7 p.m. Friday, May 28, graduates will be socially distanced on the football field with spectators in the bleachers on both sides of the field, allowing for the maximum number of guests under the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines at the time.

These plans remain tentative, as the situation regarding the health guidelines still is shifting back and forth depending on the state’s COVID-19 numbers.

In 2020, Ottawa High School hosted a drive-thru graduation in its adjacent parking lot.

The district’s plan for prom is tentative as well, but educators are looking at hosting prom at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 15. The prom walk will have senior students walk along King Field and the track, and parents and siblings will be allowed to watch the Prom Walk from the stands.

Students will receive a dessert ticket and as they exit the parking lot, there will be a drive-through dessert provided by a food truck.

There also will be formal pictures, gift bags and giveaways. Parking will be available in the student parking lot only, and all participants will be masked and socially distanced in line with IDPH guidelines.