The 2021 Knoch High School commencement ceremonies May 28 will look basically the same as in 2019, when students graduated outside at the football stadium.

The South Butler County School Board on Wednesday heard David Foley, district superintendent, say the stadium holds 3,300 people.

Because Gov. Tom Wolf has increased outdoor capacity to 75%, all family members can be accommodated.

Foley said those in the bleachers must wear masks. Those without masks will be given one.

He said students will gather inside the high school's O wing before commencement, but must wear masks as well.

When they march out of the school and onto the field, they will be kept 6 feet apart and will not be required to wear their masks.

“We want parents to have good pictures of their kids and we want things to be as normal as possible,” Foley said.

Students will be seated in socially distanced chairs on the football field.

Foley said half of the seniors will be seated on one side of the 50-yard line and half on the other, so none are too far away for parents to get a picture from the bleachers.

Because of the setup, diplomas will not be handed out alphabetically, he said.

The valedictorian and salutatorian will give speeches, and school board members will hand out diplomas as usual. Singers and the orchestra also will be part of the ceremony, Foley said.

“We're excited we are going to have commencement in person this year,” Foley said.

The commencement's rain date is May 29.