Letter: Super Extends Her 'Deepest Apologies' for a Wet Graduation

I again want to congratulate you on your fine accomplishments and all that you have contributed to Lacey Township. You have made us so very proud and I am inspired by the personal stories of family and special guests who attended graduation to see you – achieving greatness against all odds. 

Unfortunately, despite all the planning that went into preparing for graduation, yesterday’s weather did not cooperate. I want to extend my deepest apologies for the weather as it certainly did rain on us consistently and without reprieve.

The decision to hold the graduation ceremony is made using all of the data available including weather reports from NOAA, the National Weather Service, and news organizations that forecast local weather. As you may already know, yesterday’s forecast showed cloudy, overcast conditions and a 10-20 percent chance of rain and then only intermittently. Although the skies were not always consistent with the information we were receiving, we watched hour-by-hour and minute-by-minute for any changes to that forecast and there were none.

Using information we have, the decision to use a rain date delay for an outdoor ceremony must happen that day and at 3 p.m. or earlier for the high school. At that time, the weather data showed little to no precipitation. Graduates shared that they were ready for the night and with no rain on the radar, the ceremony was on schedule. 

Although the rain did not dampen the spirits of our graduating class, I regret that for parents, families and friends, not only were conditions uncomfortable, pictures and video were difficult to take. As a small token of our appreciation for helping us stay positive in most unfortunate circumstances, we will be making available DVD copies of the graduation to all high school graduates. As a convenience, please stop by any school office during the summer to pick up your copy of the DVD. We hope to have them available to you by July 2. 

Once again, we wish our graduates the very best as they journey onto their next destination and beyond. 
 
Sandra D. Brower
Superintendent