With rain and thunderstorms in the forecast for the area, Polk County High School will hold its 2021 graduation ceremony on Friday at Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Commencement exercises will begin at 7 p.m. at TIEC, located at exit 170 on U.S. Highway 74. The ceremony will be held in TIEC’s covered arena, with parking available next to the arena.

“On behalf of Polk County Schools I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Tryon International Equestrian Center and its staff for making the covered arena available,” said Polk County Schools Superintendent Aaron Greene. “It is important to the PCHS Class of 2021 and to us that moving graduation indoors will not force us to limit access for families and friends.”

Those planning to attend the ceremony are asked not to bring large bags or objects, and school district personnel reserve the right to search any bags or personal belongings upon entry at the arena.

It will mark the second time in the past three years that graduation has been moved to TIEC, with the 2019 ceremony also taking place there. With limited seating available in the school gymnasium and auditorium, Polk County Schools opted to pursue using TIEC’s covered arena in order to ensure available seating for all spectators.

“We realize how special this moment is for all students and families, and we wanted to hold the ceremonies in a venue large enough to accommodate all that wish to attend,” said Polk County High School principal Dr. Brandon Schweitzer.

Seniors should still plan on attending the breakfast at Polk County High School on Friday at 9 a.m., with practice to follow at TIEC.