1/27/21

Dear Bryan ISD Seniors and Parents,

Planning for graduations was complicated due to restrictions remaining in place at Texas A&M’s Reed Arena, requiring graduation ceremonies to be split as classes are too large at Bryan and Rudder High Schools for the approximate 300 student maximum currently in place at Reed Arena.  

I engaged in conversation with a representative group of students from each high school along with their principals and other senior administrators for Bryan ISD. The students were overwhelmingly in favor of graduating from Merrill Green Stadium instead of Reed Arena, allowing all classmates to be together. 

Our team began planning and therefore, we are excited to announce that all May 2021 graduation ceremonies will take place at Bryan ISD’s own Merrill Green Stadium.  The schedule will be as follows:

• Mary Catherine Harris High School: Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 8:00 p.m.
• Bryan Collegiate High School: Thursday, May 27, 2021, 8:00 p.m.
• Rudder High School: Friday, May 28, 2021, 8:00 p.m.
• Bryan High School: Saturday, May 29, 2021, 8:00 p.m.

At this time we know that each graduating senior will receive a minimum of four tickets to share with family and friends.  Depending on the situation with COVID-19 and county guidelines on large group gatherings, that number could, and hopefully will, increase.  We also plan to broadcast the ceremonies live on YouTube and Facebook.

We will announce further details as we near the graduation dates, depending on current health conditions, but we want to give you the opportunity to get these dates on your calendar and begin to make plans. Of course, the best planning cannot predict the weather, so we have the following possible rain make up dates and times:

• Friday, May 28, 2021 (MC Harris or Bryan Collegiate 9:00 a.m.)
• Saturday, May 29, 2021 (MC Harris, Bryan Collegiate or Rudder HS 9:00 a.m.)
• Sunday, May 30, 2021 (MC Harris, Bryan Collegiate, Bryan HS or Rudder HS 9:00 a.m.)
• Sunday, May 30, 2021 (MC Harris, Bryan Collegiate, Bryan HS or Rudder HS 8:00 p.m.)

The classes of 2020 enjoyed their ceremonies at Merrill Green Stadium and they were a huge success. We are committed to nothing less for the graduates of 2021. Thanks for your flexibility and support for the Class of 2021 and for Bryan ISD.

We look forward to watching our seniors cross the stage!

Dr. Christie Whitbeck

Superintendent Bryan ISD