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The last time Campbell County conducted its graduation ceremony on its football field was in 2011.
JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The Campbell County High School graduating Class of 2020 will have a formal graduation ceremony after all. With the COVID-19 pandemic and since school was closed for the remainder of this school year, the graduation, along with lots of other activities, was in jeopardy. It was 2011 when the last graduation was held on the football field at the high school. Since then, ceremonies have been conducted on the campus of LMU at its basketball arena allowing for plenty of seating, more than enough ground level parking and climate control.
The idea of the graduations being held at LMU started with CCHS Student Council President Brandon Johnson when he addressed the Campbell County Board of Education in December 2010. Johnson said there were some hurdles to clear such as funding the move, transportation for the 292 seniors to Harrogate and the approval of the board of education. He said, “It was definitely a steep learning curve and CCHS Principal Jamie Wheeler’s leadership was pivotal. I am still to this day thankful that the school board let us address them and make this change that seemed to be a lot better for the last several years.”
Fast forward nine years later and given the COVID-19 pandemic, Campbell County High School will hold formal graduation ceremonies on Saturday, June 20 at 8 pm on the CCHS football field. Ceremonies will take place unless the state or federal government restricts large group activities. There will be a limit of four guests per graduate at this year’s ceremony.
WLAF will once again provide live televised coverage of the CCHS graduation. The 2020 ceremony will be televised live over 1450wlaf.com, WLAF-TV 12, Facebook, YouTube, Roku TV and Amazon Fire Stick. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/01/2020-6AM-PHOTO COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)
I really hate that all students are limited to only 4 guests, but I understand and abide by the ruling against large gatherings due to COVID 19. This ruling does effect the students because I am sure they have many friends that they would love to come and see them complete their lifelong academic accomplishments. Since I will not be able to attend I do wish all graduates at CCHS and Jellico High School a warm, hearty congratulations for their accomplishments, and I wish them the very best in their future endeavors. I especially wish those 3 Lady Cougar Seniors, Emily Ellison, Madison Brady and Macy Monday, continued success in their collegiate and academic endeavors and if they don’t attend college I wish them success as they take their place in the world. God bless all the graduating seniors. Keep you trust in God and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs chapter 3 and verses 5-6.