Weather postpones high school graduations

ATLANTA - The wet weather dampened graduations for several area high schools Friday night.

Some schools postponed ceremonies until Saturday, while others kept their dates but changed venues.

For example, Sandy Creek High School in Fayette County originally planned to hold its graduation Friday night on a stadium field. However, with the soggy weather, the school decided to host the event inside the Word of Faith Family Cathedral in Cobb County.

A few families argued there was a slight inconvenience because the venue was nearly 25 miles from the original location.

“I thought it was a senior prank. I thought it was all a big joke,” Maria Stoyka said. “But now, I’m good with it. Everybody gets to have their family here and that's what matters.”

Most families that spoke with FOX 5 said they appreciated the large space that allowed for no ticket limitations.

“I would much rather be here than to be on the top bleacher on a football field at risk of a lightning storm and getting wet in the rain,” said grandmother of graduate Judy Goble.

In Bartow County, three schools had to move their graduations inside gyms. School leaders posted online those ceremonies would be live streamed. They also planned to provide overflow seating in buildings so everyone would be included.

Loganville High School and Gainesville High School, among others, moved their ceremonies to Saturday.

Gainesville High School principal told FOX 5 the school planned to host the graduation outdoors. He said students overwhelmingly preferred to have their graduation outside even if it was on a different day.

“Since it was about their class, we wanted them to have input,” Smith said.