Graduating Roanoke Rapids High School seniors will now receive five tickets for their family and friends, the city’s school system said today.

The high school graduates had originally been set to receive three tickets. The 22 graduates of the early college will still receive 15.

The updated commencement procedures come following recent changes to the state’s COVID-19 restrictions.

“Since the mass gathering and social distancing restrictions have been lifted by Governor Roy Cooper, it gives us more flexibility in our 1,500-seat auditorium and allows more people to attend in person,” said Superintendent Dain Butler.  

There are 204 graduates in this year’s RRHS senior class.

The state’s mask mandate remains intact for schools. Therefore, all guests will be required to wear a mask inside the building.  

The district is providing each graduate with a commemorative mask to wear with their respective school’s logo. 

Roanoke Rapids Early College commencement is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. in the Roanoke Rapids High School Auditorium.  Roanoke Rapids High School Commencement will be held May 28 at 8 p.m. 

Both ceremonies will follow tradition with a few modifications including student speeches and the diploma presentation by the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Trustees.  The district plans to live stream both ceremonies on its YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person.  

The annual baccalaureate service is Sunday in the RRHS Auditorium at 5 p.m. 

This service is optional for all graduates of both high schools.  

Masks will also be required for everyone who chooses to attend in person. 

It will also be live streamed on RRGSD’s YouTube channel.