Saturday graduation closer to reality

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook High School graduates will receive their diplomas on a Sunday this year, but it might be a Saturday in 2016.

The school board will make the final decision at its May meeting.

Several conflicts for May 7, 2016, the date proposed for next year's graduation, have been taken care of, Superintendent Grant Norgaard said at the regular board meeting Monday night. A tennis tournament has been removed and commencement ceremonies at nearby Southwest High School in Bartley, Nebraska, also scheduled on May 7, will be in the morning, which would give people plenty of time to attend McCook's graduation in the afternoon, Norgaard said.

He will bring the item to the board as a voting item at the May meeting, he said.

Reasons cited for moving to Saturday have included underclassmen attending Senior Celebration on graduation night as guests, then having to attend school on Monday, and travel time for visiting family members. Senior Celebration is a night-long event of games and prizes that lasts until about 4 a.m., with seniors allowed to bring one guest under 21 years old. Many seniors bring underclassmen, who are either absent the next day on Monday or have difficulty attending school.

Board member Diane Lyons said she heard from a few people concerned about not being able to attend Southwest High School's graduation, but with the different times of graduation it should not be a problem.

Board member Loretta Hauxwell also asked if many receptions would be on Sunday, if graduation was on Saturday, but board member Brian Esch said he thought most senior parents would be too tired from helping out at Senior Celebration the night before.

Board member Bob Elder also said he heard some concerns from people wanting to attend both Southwest and MHS graduations and was glad "it was made so people can get to both."

He also said that kids are missing enough school at that time of the year with all its activities, so keeping kids in school is important.

MHS teacher Richard Smock said he did not see a big difference in attendance on the Monday following Senior Celebration, although some students were obviously tired.