Weather Washing Out Graduation Plans
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MIDLOTHIAN (CBS11) - The non-stop rain has re-arranged graduation plans for some North Texas school districts—while others are left crossing fingers and hoping for dry skies.
Midlothian ISD will graduate its seniors indoors Thursday night—to the dismay of those left having to decide who will get to attend.
"I was hoping that my entire family and all the friends that I have that were planning on coming, could go," said Aubry McKey, "and it's not going to happen now."
The move to the high school's arena from the much larger outdoor stadium means seniors like Aubry McKey will get just seven tickets: and that includes the two for guests who will watch the ceremony live streamed from a nearby auditorium.
"[I'm] having to tell which family members can go, and which family members can't go," said McKey, who admits that the struggle over tickets has left her feeling as blue as the soggy skies.
A 'dis-invited' guest, Brandi Hadzovic said she understands that the graduating seniors are in a tough position.
"I got a call from a friend of mine," said Hadzovic, "saying 'sorry you can't come to the graduation. We have to have tickets, now, and we don't have enough to give to everybody'." Hadzovic owns Mo's Italian Café & Deli in downtown Midlothian.
She said the shortage of graduation tickets has been a big concern in the community.
"I totally understand, very unfortunate for all the people all the family members who don't get to go—or don't understand."
The weather is becoming a worry for Dallas' Skyline High graduation as well.
The nearly 1,000-member senior class is determined to graduate together. That would mean the district's first outdoor stadium ceremony in modern history. It's now scheduled for Saturday morning.
"Obviously, we're at the mercy of the weather," said principal Marlon Brooks. "Our goal is to notify parents and students by 5:30 AM on Saturday morning. But, again, we could say 'hey, look everything looks great. Let's move forward', and at 7:00 we could have torrential storms."
The district does have a back-up plan in case of rain. But, it could mean two separate ceremonies. "We cannot control the weather," said Gloria Marcia, a graduating Skyline Senior, "but it would be sad if they have to separate us." Classmate Titus Foster agreed, adding,"you only do it one time… so it's super important."
An outdoor ceremony for Skyline means more tickets are available for family. So they're hoping that their weather gamble pays off—and they can avoid the ticket scramble.
"I have one friend who is having to put all the names in the hat," sayidMcKey, "and they're having to draw to see who gets to go."
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