Tighter security planned for graduation ceremonies
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, June 10, 2003
[5/21/03]Security and the rules will be tightened at public high school graduation ceremonies, trustees of the Vicksburg Warren School District said Tuesday.
“We need to remind people what kind of ceremony a graduation is,” said Jan Daigre, secretary and District 4 trustee. “Certainly it is a celebration, but it should be done in a dignified manner.”
At past graduations, many in the audience have shouted and cheered as family members or friends have received their diplomas.
Board members are asking people not to take umbrellas or balloons to the ceremonies, and for no one to walk onto the track at the Vicksburg High or Warren Central stadiums, where ceremonies are planned.
Those taking balloons for graduates will be asked to leave them in a designated area to be picked up after the ceremonies, said Kay Aasand, board president.
Aasand said pictures can be taken with graduates after the ceremony.
Also, anyone causing a disruption in the stands, such as excessive cheering, will be asked to leave, Aasand said.
“The whole idea of this is to make this an enjoyable experience for everyone,” Superintendent Donald Oakes said. “We want to give everyone an opportunity to hear their child’s name called and see their child.”
Security officers with Baker Security have been hired for the ceremonies at 8 p.m. Thursday at VHS and 8 p.m. Friday at WCHS.
“We are adding additional security for better traffic control and a safer environment,” Oakes said.
Aasand said good behavior is expected from the graduates as well. More than 360 will graduate from the two high schools.
“When they are marching to receive their diplomas, they are to do so with dignity and respect,” she said. “Any displays of inappropriate behavior will result in them being pulled from the line.”
Fliers will be sent home with graduates before the ceremonies and will be handed out at the gates to remind visitors of the regulations.
“We would like to remind everyone that this is a very joyous occasion, but it is also a very solemn occasion,” Aasand said.