In a year that has been memorable for all the wrong reasons, the parent organizing committee for the Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School 2020 Graduation Ceremony has found a way to create a momentous experience for the Class of 2020 and their families. The ceremony will be held on its originally scheduled date, June 26, at Riverside International Speedway.

In the relatively short amount of time since provincial public health guidelines were announced for grad ceremonies, the committee has been working tirelessly to create an event that will be unique and exciting for the graduates. Management for Riverside is pleased to provide the venue for the event.

“We want to congratulate all of the graduates,” said Donald Chisholm owner of Riverside International Speedway. “We’re happy to provide the venue to help make this a very special event for them.”

The event has the full support of the Town of Antigonish and the County of Antigonish.

“Both the Town and County feel that this is a very important milestone for students, and it is very important to celebrate the graduating class of 2020. We know this is not the way the Grad Class envisioned their final weeks of school and we want them to be able to remember this occasion before they move on to the next chapter of their lives,” said Warden Owen McCarron of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish.

“Antigonish Town and County Councils are proud to be able to support this event to give students something they can remember before they begin the next chapter of their lives. The Town and County recognize the hard work of the parent organizing committee, East Coast Credit Union and Riverside International Speedway for stepping up and taking on this event to celebrate this special group of students,” said Mayor Laurie Boucher of the Town of Antigonish.

The event will include the graduation ceremony, a “Grad March” for the students in their school graduation gowns and caps, and music – all while maintaining physical distancing. Attendance is by invitation only and limited to graduates, select family members, and a limited number of community representatives. The organizing committee will have public health protocols in place as required by provincial authorities. The organizing committee will be in touch with graduates families directly in the coming days with full details.

The facility will not be open to the public during the event.

Community support is welcome and would be appreciated; to learn how you can help please contact the organizing committee at DrJ.Graduation2020@gmail.com.

With the continued uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions, management for Riverside is unsure what the 2020 racing season will look like but hope to know in the near future. Fans can stay up-to-date by visiting riversidespeedway.ca or following the track social media pages (Facebook and Twitter).

About Riverside International Speedway:

For 51 years, Riverside International Speedway has been recognized as a premiere stock racing facility in Canada. The 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval roars to action several times a year for special events. It is the home of the IWK 250 – widely known throughout North America as a “bucket list” event for racers and fans alike. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans Canada Highway 104. For more information please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902-863-2410.