The Class of 2021 will wrap up their senior year with in-person graduation ceremonies and a hand-delivered diploma this year – a first since the COVID-19 pandemic forced Las Cruces Public Schools to host drive-through graduation ceremonies last year.
All six LCPS high schools will host graduation ceremonies at the Field of Dreams May 21 and 22. District officials, working closely with high school principals, coordinated details that allow for families to watch in person while ensuring all public health orders are followed. Seniors will be allowed 16 tickets each for family and friends, will be required to wear a mask throughout the ceremony and will be socially distanced.
The cap on the number of guests was not reflective of Doña Ana County’s turquoise status in the state’s red-to-green framework, which signaled a decreased risk for virus transmission. District officials instead hoped the limit would help ease traffic congestion near the Field of Dreams. Tashiro Road, which provides access to the stadium from Valley Drive, is currently undergoing extensive renovations to add a turning lane, lighting, drainage and a traffic signal. The project has temporarily closed Tashiro at Valley Drive, forcing all traffic to access the Field of Dreams from Motel Boulevard.
For the first time in LCPS history, seniors will be allowed to decorate their caps and each graduate will receive a face mask in honor of late superintendent Dr. Karen Trujillo. This is also the last graduating class for Oñate High School. As of July 1, 2021, the school will be known as Organ Mountain High School.
The schedule for each ceremony is as follows:
Friday, May 21, 9 a.m. Oñate High School
Friday, May 21, 1:30 p.m. Arrowhead Park Early College High School
Friday, May 21 6 p.m. Mayfield High School
Saturday, May 22, 9 a.m. Las Cruces High School
Saturday, May 22, 1:30 p.m. Rio Grande Preparatory Institute
Saturday, May 22 6 p.m. Centennial High School