Franklin Matters: FHS Graduation 2021! It’s an Outdoor Affair

Monday, May 17, 2021

FHS Graduation 2021! It’s an Outdoor Affair

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/16/2021

We began our preparations for FHS Panther Graduation 2021 several weeks ago. Every year it is our most ‘mission critical’ program, and we take many steps to ensure the event’s success as best we can. Given that it’s live, happens once, and more than 400 graduating students have extended families and friends who are eager to watch either on cable or on our Franklin Pride live stream.

No pressure.

Prior to the pandemic we had our technical setup and production routine down pretty well. Even then, we took nothing for granted. In 2020? Well, we all know what happened. We had to record the graduation proceedings carefully over three days while all graduates were socially (and chronologically) distanced. Editing over 400 student moments timely into the final program also was a challenge.

Last year gave us a new celebration – The Panther Car Parade. We covered it live on wfpr●fm 102.9, and this year it’s back by popular demand. We plan to carry the parade live on Comcast 96, Verizon 28, video streaming and on the radio as well.

We’ll be everywhere – in your TV set, your computer, your smartphone and your radio. The Panther Car Parade will take place the day after graduation.

Currently, graduation itself will be outdoors, live from Panther Field on Friday evening at 5 PM. Of necessity, it will be a simpler affair. No procession or recession. No live band or chorus. The customary stage will be set on the track in front of the bleachers. The entire field will provide seating for graduates and their families, clustered in pods – socially distanced groups of five. The give-n-get is that, although the ceremonies are simplified, the grads do get to sit with family.

In the event that the weather doesn’t cooperate, both events will shift by one day.
You can watch all the festivities – live – on our Franklin Pride Channel, Comcast 96 or Verizon 28. You can also listen – live – on wfpr●fm 102.9. We will also repeat both events the following week and post them to our Video-on-Demand service where you may also download as you wish – to have and to hold.