ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County’s Class of 2020 graduates and their families will do a lap around the historic Rockingham Speedway next month in a special parade.
Richmond County Schools announced “night to remember” in a Facebook post Friday afternoon.
“It is time for our Seniors to take a well-deserved Victory Lap!!” the post read.
Principal Jim Butler was telling graduates about the event, scheduled for June 12 at 7 p.m., during the virtual graduation ceremonies last week, but at the time, plans had not been finalized.
“We are very excited about this event for our seniors,” Butler said in a statement. “Nothing can replace the magic of a Raider Graduation with all of the traditions and celebration. But it is our hope that we can create something unique for a class that has certainly faced the most unusual school year ever.
“We are very happy to be able to partner with the Rockingham Speedway and our (sheriff’s office) to create some Raider Magic.
The school district released the following schedule and rules for the event:
SENIOR PARADE
- Each senior will arrive at RSHS thru the back gate (Hamlet side) at 6 p.m.
- Only 1 car per senior will be in the parade.
- Each senior must arrive with a driver for the entire event. The Senior will ride in the passenger side of their vehicle. Other family members may ride with them provided there is space allowed (must follow NC seatbelt laws at all times).
- ACEC and REaCH will be directed to the bus lot.
- RSHS will be directed to the student lot.
- Each graduate will be checked in and given a sign to be placed on their dash.
- The Sheriff’s Dept. will lead the graduates out the front gates of RSHS promptly at 7 p.m.
GRADUATION AT THE TRACK
- Due to the large volume of vehicles, the grounds of The Rockingham Speedway will be reserved for the seniors and the faculty and staff of RSHS, ACEC, REaCH and RCS.
- The graduates will take their “victory lap” led by the RC Sheriff’s Dept.
- The graduates will exit the track and park in the field on the Hwy 177 side of the track, facing Little Rock.
- The celebration will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show once all graduates are parked.
MISCELLANEOUS
- The Sheriff’s Dept. will lead all cars from RSHS to the track.
- At no time, will any graduate or family member be allowed to exit their vehicle due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Tunnel restrictions: No vehicle larger than an F-250 will be allowed.
- Radio (WAYN, G104, WRSH 91.1) will provide a pre-recorded graduation ceremony.
- The Richmond Observer will provide livestreaming.
- The Daily Journal will provide print coverage.
In addition, the district announced that the virtual graduations will be broadcast June 11 on both the schools’ and district’s websites:
- Ashley Chapel Education Center at 6 p.m.
- Richmond Early College High School at 7 p.m.
- Richmond Senior High School at 8 p.m.
This will be the first event at the track since last year’s Epicenter Festival, though all concerts were held across the road at Rockingham Dragway.
A Fourth of July celebration had been planned last year, but was canceled.
(NOTE: This story was updated to add a quote from Principal Jim Butler.)
