Published: May 19, 2008 11:45 pm            

EHS must control graduation setting

It seems every year after Enid High School graduation ceremonies, we at the newspaper receive letters or comments about how disappointed many parents are with the ceremony.

Enid High School graduates its senior class at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center, a massive complex that basically is pretty full when it comes time for the EHS ceremonies. Enid graduates 400 to 500 graduates each year, so each of those graduates has family members to accommodate. Because Chisholm Trail Expo Center is so huge, everyone is pretty much guaranteed a seat.

This isn’t the case for many other high school venues. Some graduation ceremonies at various high schools offer vouchers or tickets for a certain number of attendees because seating is limited. For many families in this situation, someone is left out of witnessing one of the most important moments in a child’s or their parents’ lives.

So, it’s good Chisholm Trail Expo Center is as large as it is to accommodate the graduates and their families.

But, let’s face it. As a venue for a high school graduation ceremony, Chisholm Trail Expo Center is a zoo. My child graduated in 2005, and I was very excited for her and to have our family there to witness the event. Unfortunately, it’s like attending a sporting event. It is very noisy.

The building is massive and the sound system just isn’t very good. Many people complain each year they are unable to hear the speeches given by the graduates. Also, there always are those obnoxious people with the blow horns that go off when their graduate is announced.

Apparently, the Expo Center also offers drinks and snacks for sale in the concession stands. This is a noise factor of its own.

Add on top of that people milling around, getting down to the floor to try to get pictures, etc. Also, many complain people talk to each other or on cell phones during the event.

No wonder so many parents are disappointed if their child’s graduation is more like a basketball game or a rock concert than a commencement ceremony.

In my opinion, Enid Public Schools needs to address the issue of graduation ceremonies and find a way to make it more appropriate for the situation. Getting this situation under control is the responsibility of Enid Public Schools.

First of all, the district may need to bring in additional sound systems to help people be able to hear the ceremonies. That is what has to be done with some concerts and other big events held at the Expo Center.

Second, even though seating basically is unlimited, we believe attendees should have a ticket of some kind in order to enter. The graduates can get their family members these tickets.

Printed clearly on those tickets should be what is expected of attendees at the ceremony. Proper dress should be encouraged, such as church clothes or business casual. It should be noted on that ticket blow horns are not appropriate. It should remind attendees to turn off their cell phones so others may enjoy the ceremony.

And, there should absolutely be no concessions offered. There is no reason to have drinks or popcorn in an arena where students’ educational accomplishments are being celebrated.

Perhaps there should also be a keynote speaker — someone of importance in the community or state — to address the graduates. This could add a little more sense of importance or decorum to the ceremony. Of course, that speaker should be encouraged to keep his or her speech to no more than 10 minutes.

We expect a lot of hoopla, clapping and even chanting of a graduate’s name when they go across the stage. After all, it is a time of celebration. But, the rest of the commencement atmosphere doesn’t have to be so chaotic.

We hope for the EHS Class of 2009 and their parents, the commencement ceremony is a better experience than it has been for the previous classes. It’s time for the school district to get the situation under control and make it the kind of event everyone can be proud of and enjoy.



Allen is managing editor of the Enid News & Eagle. She can be reached at 548-8163 or by e-mail at editor@enidnews.com.