Tennessee High Schools Face Backlash Over Rainy Graduation Ceremonies

Two high schools in Tennessee are under fire after conducting graduation ceremonies outdoors amid heavy rain, leaving students and families soaked and angry.

On Thursday evening, graduates from Centennial and Franklin High Schools walked across the stage while rain poured down, with families enduring the downpour to cheer for their loved ones. A parent, Victoria Barles, shared her frustration, stating that as soon as the speeches began, the rain intensified.

Barles expressed concern for spectators slipping on the slick bleachers due to the heavy rain.

“I was worried that someone would slip and fall in the bleachers,” she mentioned, adding that her daughter planned to retake graduation photos on the football field because she was soaked after the ceremony.

Brittney Garner, whose daughter Akira spent considerable time preparing for the event, rushed to the field with an umbrella as the rain began. She believes the school should allow students to have a redo of the ceremony.

“My child put so much effort into this day, and watching her be drenched was heartbreaking,” Garner said.

Centennial graduate Brooklyn Broadnax, who sang the national anthem, said she only had a poncho for protection and pointed out that her shoes ended up soaked. Unfortunately, certain parts of the ceremony, like a moment of silence for a classmate who passed away, were canceled due to the weather.

Broadnax lamented that they could have acknowledged their late classmate, Penelope, who was set to graduate with them.

Michelle Wyatt, Broadnax’s godmother, questioned the school district’s decision to proceed with the outdoor ceremony despite worsening conditions, raising safety concerns regarding slippery surfaces.

After the event, Wyatt expressed her frustrations on social media, criticizing the school for the decision.

A viral video showing graduates receiving their diplomas in the rain captured the attention of former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who echoed the criticism of the outdoor ceremony.

Greene referred to the situation as “outrageous” and emphasized that families deserved a proper ceremony indoors, pointing out that parents are taxpayers who support the schools.

In response to the situation, Williamson County Schools Superintendent Jason Golden acknowledged the difficulties the rain presented but defended the outdoor graduation format, noting that many prefer ceremonies on school grounds to allow for greater attendance from family and friends.

“We believed we could complete the ceremonies before the rain hit, but weather conditions changed unexpectedly,” he explained in a statement.

Despite the challenges posed by the rain, Golden expressed pride in the accomplishments of the graduates.