Federal Way high school graduations coming back to Kent

Four Federal Way high schools will return to the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent this year for graduation ceremonies.

As COVID-19 guidelines have eased in King County, Federal Way Public Schools decided to go back 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.

The commencement ceremonies for Decatur, Federal Way, Thomas Jefferson and Todd Beamer high schools are set for Sunday, June 12, at the ShoWare Center.

The Kent School District previously announced its high school graduations would return this year to the ShoWare Center.

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 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 schedule

Sunday, June 12

ShoWare Center, 625 West James St. 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.