By Tyler Maheu
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
NEWPORT, NH June 15,2023—In a surprise move that has upset many in town, Newport’s high school graduation was postponed and rescheduled on short notice.
The ceremony, originally scheduled for Wednesday, June 14 at 6 PM on the high school’s football field. According to a Facebook post from the Newport School District, the National Weather Service forecast thunderstorms in town shortly before the commencement ceremonies were set to begin. In addition to postponing the graduation ceremony, the district changed Thursday night’s Moving-Up ceremony for eight graders going into high school to Wednesday night in the high school gym at 6 PM.
The decisions caused quite a stir among Newport residents, many of whom felt that the graduation should have been moved to the gym Wednesday night. Newport resident Tracey Bailey called the district’s decision “Ridiculous!” in a comment under the district’s post. “Why can’t graduates be in gym tonight? Keep middle school tomorrow? People travel and take time off to attend these events!”
Newport School District Superintendent Donna Magoon defended the decision in a post comment of her own, writing:
“Please understand this decision was not one that was taken lightly. We were all ready to have it in the rain. A little rain, or even a lot, never hurt anyone. We were going to honor the survey the graduates took. However, after speaking, not looking it up online, but speaking directly with someone from the National Weather Service we made the change. It is not the rain we are concerned with, it is the thunder and lighting. When students are given tickets, they are given roughly 12 tickets. If we were to move it into the gym, graduates would only be able to have 5 tickets. As one graduate put it, “which arm would you like me to remove. The graduate also did not want it inside. How can we expect our students to pick which family members can not attend. Again, this was not an easy decision. We are hoping you can support us and know that we do not make decisions without thoroughly investigating the options. The Opera House is not available due to the change in the construction date.” (This quote is as it appeared on Facebook.)
Another post explained that if it rains on Thursday night, the ceremony will be moved into the gym. The district will make this decision by noon on Thursday. The Eagle Times will post the decision on its Website and Facebook page.
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