Tennessee schools forced students to walk across the stage in a downpour

Tennessee schools forced students to walk across the stage in a downpour

Families are demanding answers after two high schools pushed ahead with outdoor graduation ceremonies despite heavy rain.

Graduation is supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime moment of pride. Instead, students in Tennessee spent their big day shivering in the mud while their families watched from slippery bleachers.

What Happened

Students at Centennial High School and Franklin High School walked across the stage on Thursday night as a storm moved in. The rain turned the field into a mess and soaked the graduates and their guests.

Parents said the conditions were dangerous for elderly attendees who had to navigate wet, slick bleachers. Many families felt the schools should have moved the event indoors or picked a different time.

Some parts of the ceremony were cut short because of the weather. This included a planned moment of silence for a student who passed away last year, which left many graduates feeling heartbroken.

What the evidence shows

• Two separate high schools held outdoor ceremonies during a storm.
• Students were left soaked, with some reporting their shoes were filled with water.
• A planned moment of silence for a deceased classmate was scrapped.
• Parents expressed fears about elderly guests slipping on wet bleachers.
• The school district superintendent claimed they expected to finish before the rain started.

The Bigger Question

Why do schools insist on outdoor graduations when the weather is clearly turning? While football fields offer more space for guests, the risk to safety and the comfort of the students seems to be ignored.

We should ask if the desire for a large, scenic event has become more important than the actual experience of the students. Is a photo on a field worth the stress of a ruined ceremony?

The Other Side

Superintendent Jason Golden said the district hoped to finish before the rain hit based on weather reports. He noted that outdoor ceremonies allow more family members to attend, which many parents value. This defense seems weak given that the rain was clearly visible on radar before the events began.

What Happens Now

Families are calling for a do-over or at least an apology from the district. This situation will likely force school boards to rethink their backup plans for future outdoor events.

What We Still Don't Know

1. Why was there no clear plan to move the ceremonies indoors when the rain started?
2. Will the school district offer any form of makeup event for the students?
3. How many people reported slipping or falling during the ceremonies?

Source Note

All charges are allegations - the school district is presumed innocent until proven guilty.