Middle’s High School Graduation Draws Criticism, Vows to Change

COURT HOUSE — For the second consecutive year, Middle Township High School’s graduation ceremony drew criticism, again, promises to change venues in the future were made.
At the board’s Thursday, June 18 meeting, board member Burgess “Butch” Hamer told the packed house he was “personally embarrassed by what took place last night.”
He spoke of the June 17 commencement ceremony that was shifted from Memorial Field, due to inclement weather, to the high school gymnasium. What was to have taken place at 4 p.m. started at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium that was so filled with parents and friends, Christine Bailey, advisor to the graduating class, told the board “The field (Memorial Field) was a disaster last year (due to a thunderstorm) and graduates risked their lives. Last night was a hassle with parents.”
Bailey said one parent asked about the fire code, and if a fire broke out, “How would we get out of here?” She told the board, “I told him,’ There is the door, you can leave now.”
She urged the board to “Think what is best for the students after 13 years.”
“There is too much resistance on the board,” to change venues, Bailey alleged.
The favored place, by Bailey and some board members would have been Wildwood Convention Center. However, due to one snow day, March 1, graduation there would not have been possible, because it was booked for another event.
Board member Daniel Money made a motion, which won unanimous approval from the board, to have a committee of members of the Class of 2010 and their parents, building principal or his designee, and a member of the administration to recommend to the board options for the next graduation ceremony.
If they select the convention center, weather would no longer be an issue, it is air conditioned, and there is more than enough seating, including for handicap access, to see the entire event.
If winter weather poses a problem, due to a closing, the spring break, or other days off, could be shortened to ensure that graduation would take place on a certain date in the center.
“I think Mr. (Theodore) Pugliese (high school principal) made the right decision considering the prior year,” said Bailey.
“Timing was bad, but you can’t sit on this decision,” Bailey told the board. You can book now. I’ve been to four graduations, and I was soaked through last year. Think of the health and welfare of the students,” she added.
“Butch (Hamer) brought it up last year and it was shot down,” she said. “He wanted to do what was best for my class. She said that John Lynch, convention center director, was “Willing to accommodate us.”
Bailey said the “audience was rude” June 17, and she said that the high school staff “did the best job they could”
to make seating available for all.
“It was a fire hazard. It was over the limit,” she added.
“It would be surprising to me it was not held in the (Wildwood) Convention Center,” said board President Calvin Back. “When the building is booked, it will be used that night. Everything will work out. Bear with us.”
Michael Mercado, valedictorian of the Class of 2008, told the board he had researched the center, and found “June is wide open.” His speech, which could not be delivered in person, last year, due to weather, had to be published in the newspaper.
He said he felt taxpayers of private funds would be available to make the center reservation a reality.
“Not because of what happened to me, but for future classes,” Mercado said. “It is a question of whether you, the elected officials, are willing to do it. When you hear the voices of parents who did not get to take a picture of their children, a change of venue is almost inevitable. It’s a good option. Consider it for the future classes’ sake,” Mercado concluded.