Port Angeles High’s June graduation going outdoors to Civic Field over gym safety concerns

()

()

PORT ANGELES — Next month’s Class of 2015 graduation ceremony has been bumped from the Port Angeles High School gymnasium to Civic Field over safety concerns centered around crowding in the gymnasium.

The commencement ceremony is now scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. June 12, at Civic Field on Race Street between Second and Fourth streets.

The ceremony is being relocated because of safety concerns for the number of people who are expected to attend the graduation of about 225 seniors, said Tina Smith O’Hara, spokeswoman for the district.

The gym is filled on graduation night with teachers and administrators, musicians who play or sing during the event, families and friends of the graduates — and, of course, the graduates themselves.

Admission to the gymnasium has been closely controlled due to the large number of family members who attend, and the limited capacity of the gymnasium. Graduation announcements with the gym listed as the location already have been distributed.

The seating capacity for the gymnasium is about 1,300.

In the past, the graduation ceremony has been streamed live online for family members who have not been able to get admission tickets to view it live.

This year, the school allotted five tickets per graduate, with additional tickets distributed as they become available from graduates who do not need all of their tickets.

Civic Field has covered seating for 2,500 people, and standing room is available on the field.

Other gym events, such as tonight’s All City Strings concert, have also been adjusted due to the large number of people who attend the events. About 600 students are scheduled to perform at the annual concert.

The concert was split into two shows, reducing the number of people who are expected to into the gymnasium to see their children perform.

_________

Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Clallam County Juvenile Court Coordinator Candice Lawler stands in the foyer of the old courthouse in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Juvenile services program shows youth ‘they are not alone’

Drug court coordinator shares personal experience with kids

Port Angeles identifies $3M for safety facility

City turns to tax sources, pushes road project

Port Angeles High School junior Tucker Swain, left, tries out a sample of roasted broccoli with ranch dressing dipping sauce prepared by Stacey Larsen, the district’s WSU Clallam Extension Farm to School consultant at the school’s cafeteria on Friday. Including locally grown produce like the Chi’s Farm broccoli into meals, increasing the amount of whole grains in foods and reducing salt and added sugar are part of the school district’s efforts to create healthier options and meet updated USDA nutrition standards. A new app provides students and parents a way to view menus and the nutritional content, calories and allergens in meal options. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
New flavors, new recipes for Port Angeles School District meal program

Goal is to promote healthy options for nutrition standards

Piping may help reduce flooding

Project aims to protect landowners, beavers

Jefferson County reduces its risk of fire danger

Collaboration moves level from high to moderate

One person was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after a fifth-wheel trailer was fully engulfed in flames on Friday. (Chris Turner/Clallam County Fire District 3)
One person flown to hospital after fire destroys trailer

A person was airlifted to a Seattle hospital after a… Continue reading

Motorcycle rider airlifted to Seattle hospital after collision

A 63-year-old man was airlifted to a Seattle hospital… Continue reading

The city of Port Angeles’ city hall east parking lot low-impact development project is complete. (City of Port Angeles)
Low-impact development parking lot complete

Project to help filter stormwater contaminants

Peninsula College President Suzy Ames, left, receives the 2024 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award from Gov. Jay Inslee at a Sept. 10 luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia. Ames was honored for her leadership and achievements in boosting the college’s declining enrollment and strengthening its ties to the community. (Jim Kopriva/Office of the Governor)
Peninsula College president receives outstanding leadership award

Peninsula College President Suzy Ames was one of 23… Continue reading

Applications open for Jefferson County Board of Health

The Board of Jefferson County Commissioners is accepting applications… Continue reading

Paulo Leite of Port Angeles sets up a display of automotive and Star Wars toys at Saturday’s Olympic Peninsula Toy and Collectibles Show at Guy Cole Convention Center in Sequim. The exhibition featured a wide variety of toys and collectible items for display, sale or trade. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Toy show

Paulo Leite of Port Angeles sets up a display of automotive and… Continue reading

Tracey Appleton of Port Townsend cuts flowers at Wilderbee Farm on Saturday while on the 22nd annual Jefferson County Farm Tour. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Farm tour

Tracey Appleton of Port Townsend cuts flowers at Wilderbee Farm on Saturday… Continue reading