Housatonic Valley Regional High School Scheduled to Hold Its Graduation Ceremony at Lime Rock Park on June 21

“We are committed to supporting our local schools in any way we can, and are happy to hold this year’s graduation at Lime Rock Park,” said Skip Barber, President of Lime Rock Park. “We can comfortably and safely accommodate these students and hope it will be an unforgettable experience for them.”

Scheduled for Sunday, June 21, at 4:00 p.m., the graduation ceremony safely allows each student and one of their guests to listen to the commencement speeches as they sit in their own vehicles. Each car will be spaced out along the race track’s famous Front Straight and Pit Lane.

From the flagging stand at the Start/Finish Line, State Representative Maria Horn, Superintendent Dr. Pamela Vogel, Principal Ian Strever, and three student speakers, Lindsey Clark, Brianna Webb and Jessy Haggard, will share their commencement messages over the Park’s PA system. The principal will then read the names of the graduates while the students remain in their cars. The ceremony will close with the class president reading the Oath of Athenian Youth followed by a processional as the cars drive off the track.

From there, the students will drive through their school’s oval for a symbolic farewell as teachers and faculty stand on, waving goodbye to the graduates. Then, each car will stop at the school’s front steps, where the student will step out to receive their diploma and have their photo taken.

“After meeting with students, parents, health, and track officials, we believe this will be a memorable and safe way to celebrate all of our graduates before they head off to other parts of the world,” said HVRHS Principal Ian Strever. “We also know that the limitations and restrictions that are in place now will prevent some relatives from attending the ceremony, so we are arranging a live stream of the event through our social media pages and through other local media outlets. We are fortunate to have access to the substantial resources of Lime Rock Park, who are committed to making this event as special as it can be.”

To further follow safety protocols, everyone entering the track will have their temperature checked upon entry using hand-held infrared thermometers.

While the graduation will be closed to onlookers, the ceremony will be streamed on the school’s Facebook channel for others to watch.

PLEASE NOTE: Lime Rock Park is currently closed to the general public, whereas unregistered participants and spectators are currently not allowed at any event program held at the Park. All pre-registered event participants must follow all safety protocols. For further information, visit www.limerock.com/covidupdates.