COLUMBUS, NE — An area high school will be having an in-person graduation ceremony this month.

Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus announced Tuesday that it will hold a graduation ceremony for the 2020 class on June 27 at 1:00 p.m. in the Dowd Activity Center. Families of graduates will receive six tickets for the ceremony.

School President Jeff Ohnoutka says the senior class is smaller than normal, with 40 students. That will help limit attendance to 25 percent of the gym’s capacity.

He says the ceremony will look different.  Seniors will sit in chairs spread out on the court, families will have reserved seats spread out around the bleachers and families will follow a specific exit plan.  The plan has been approved by the East Central District Health Department and the Nebraska Department of Education.

Ohnoutka says it has been a priority to hold graduation in person if health guidelines allowed.

“We feel that we’re a community here at Scotus and that being together is a good thing,” Ohnoutka said.

Families are asked to arrive at the same time.  All attendees will go through a health screening before entering.

“Every other class has had this opportunity,” Ohnoutka said. “It’s a way to honor them properly.”