(Seguin) — Graduation night has arrived today for seniors across the Seguin area, and for the first time, all three local school districts — Seguin ISD, Navarro ISD and Marion ISD — will host commencement ceremonies on the very same evening, Friday, May 22.
With thousands of family members, friends and community supporters expected to attend ceremonies across the area, school officials at each district say they are also keeping a close eye on the weather forecast throughout the day.
At Seguin High School, graduation is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Matador Stadium. Emily Allen, Seguin ISD director of communications, says district leaders are hoping to keep the ceremony outdoors if possible.
“We’re all keeping an eye on the forecast. Our goal is really to make sure this happens in Matador Stadium as best we can. So, if that requires pushing graduation a little bit, we’ll see,” said Allen. “We know people have been planning. Families are coming in, friends are coming in. We know the community wants to be there. So, we really want to make this happen in the best possible location that everyone looks forward to.”
Allen says the district does have indoor backup plans at the high school if weather conditions force a change, although attendance would be more limited.
Nonetheless, Allen says the district is ready to celebrate and honor this special batch of graduates.
“At this moment, we are looking at about 476 graduates. So, we’re very excited about that. We think we have a great graduating class. I believe they earned close to $6 million in scholarships. We have several students who plan to join the military. So, I think there’s some great opportunities, bright futures for the senior class,” said Allen.
District officials are also reminding attendees to prepare for heightened security measures and stadium rules. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., with metal detectors in use at all entrances. The district’s clear bag policy will remain in effect, and prohibited items include balloons, confetti, noisemakers, signs, umbrellas and large purses. Free water will be provided throughout the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Navarro High School will be celebrating what school leaders say is one of its largest graduating classes to date. That’s according to Principal Clay Scarborough.
“187. This is our highest as far as I know in history, but definitely since I’ve been here,” said Scarborough.
Navarro’s commencement ceremonies get underway at 8 p.m. Friday at Erwin-Lee Stadium.
Scarborough says officials are also monitoring the forecast before deciding whether graduation will be held outdoors or moved inside.
“Right now, we’re making that call at noon on Friday,” said Scarborough. “We’ll be either in the competition gym or outside and we’re keeping our fingers crossed for outside.”
Scarborough says this batch of graduates has also been incredible to work with. He says they have each put in the work – deserving of this day.
“It’s just a great group of kids, and (they say) oh, your principal, you’ll say it’s a great group of kids. Not really. They’re going to truly leave here and do some amazing things,” said Scarborough.
Plus, he says this year’s senior class will always be remembered for helping usher in a historic chapter for the district after students moved into the new Navarro High School campus earlier this spring.
“That was one of the things that they were really excited to be the first group to be in this building and then graduate. Now granted, we’re still graduating the old field, but they were the first ones in here. And that’s something that they can’t be taken away from them no matter what they do,” said Scarborough.
Over in Marion High School, 109 graduates are scheduled to walk the stage during commencement ceremonies – events begin at 8 p.m. Friday at Veterans Stadium. Principal Stacey Johnston says the evening is meant to celebrate not only students, but also the families who have supported them along the way.
“We want them to know that they’re loved by our community and their families,” said Johnston. “I joke with kids and tell them, you know, it’s not about you, it’s for your family because your family’s put so much into you to get you where you are today.”
Johnston is also asking that guests follow stadium rules and remain flexible if weather conditions force any last-minute adjustments.
“The biggest thing, we’re like, please, no air horns,” said Johnston. “And I hope that everybody understands that if we do have to change things, be flexible — we’re just doing what’s in the best interest of our kids.”
School officials ask that families continue to monitor each district’s respective website and Facebook page for the latest weather-related updates and ceremony information. Links for live streaming can also be found on each of those pages.