You might be able to call the pandemic-inspired graduation exercise at Sturgeon Bay High School a tradition now.

Sturgeon Bay High School officials announced on Monday that it will once again take the graduating class of 2022 out onto the water for a boat parade with about half of the students participating. The boat parade will begin after Saturday’s commencement ceremony is held at the high school at approximately 11:20 a.m. The parade will travel from Madelyn Marina to the Michigan Street Bridge, travel to the museum area, and then back to the main waterway.

Members of the public are invited to participate in the festivities, but be aware that the event may be canceled due to unsafe water conditions.

The idea of the boat parade was born in 2020 when usual in-person ceremonies could not be held due to the pandemic. The boat parade was also called off that year, but it did make its debut in 2021. We will feature Sturgeon Bay valedictorian Rachel Allen later this week.