Federal Way Public Schools graduates will have a more traditional commencement ceremony this spring, compared to the previous two years.
As COVID-19 guidelines have eased in King County, the school district is returning to indoor ceremonies.
“Graduation is an exciting time and honors the hard work of our scholars who have reached this important milestone,” said Whitney Chiang, chief of communications for the district. “We recognize the importance of our families, scholars and staff coming together in celebration at this time.”
For the past two years, the district held virtual and outdoor ceremonies. Now, current health department guidelines allow for a return to indoor, fully in-person ceremonies for the class of 2022.
Ceremonies for the Employment and Transition Program, Internet Academy, Career Academy, and Federal Way Open Doors are Friday, June 10, at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center.
TAF@Saghalie’s ceremony is Saturday, June 11, at the Federal Way High School theatre.
The commencement ceremonies for Decatur, Federal Way, Thomas Jefferson and Todd Beamer high schools are set for Sunday, June 12, at the ShoWare Center in Kent.
Throughout the pandemic, Federal Way Public Schools worked to make graduation ceremonies as close to traditional celebrations as possible, while following the guidelines of the Washington State Department of Health and Public Health – Seattle and King County, Chiang said.
In 2020, graduates from Federal Way high schools pre-recorded their graduation walks. Each clip was then edited into a commencement video that played virtually, and no gatherings were held. Last year, friends and families celebrated their graduates at in-person outdoor ceremonies hosted at Federal Way Memorial Field.
Prior to the pandemic, commencement ceremonies were held at the ShoWare Center and the Tacoma Dome.
Graduation ceremony schedule:
Friday, June 10
Location: Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way South in Federal Way.
Employment and Transition Program: 10:30 a.m.
Internet Academy: 2-3 p.m.
Career Academy: 4-5 p.m.
Federal Way Open Doors: 6-7 p.m.
Saturday, June 11
Location: Federal Way High School theatre, 30611 16th Avenue S. in Federal Way.
TAF@Saghalie: 9-10 a.m.
Sunday, June 12
Location: ShoWare Center, 625 West James Street in Kent.
Thomas Jefferson High School: 8:30-10 a.m.
Federal Way High School: 12-1:30 p.m.
Decatur High School: 3-4:30 p.m.
Todd Beamer High School: 6-7:30 p.m.
