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WTH? Lansing Center graduation still upsetting to many students

19 January 2012 109 views No Comment

AlecXis Glass
Online Editor

Many seniors have older siblings who remember graduating at the Breslin Center. The Breslin is a large venue with more than one level, so their parents could easily see them walk across the stage. Being in a Big Ten arena made many feel they had accomplished something great. According to the Lansing School District, there are no plans to return to the Breslin Center any time soon.

A contract has been signed with the Lansing Center for the 2012 graduation. Building head secretaries, principals, assistant superintendents and superintendents have been meeting to plan this year’s celebration, and have been looking at ways to make graduation at the Lansing Center a better experience.

During last year’s graduation, the Lansing Center ran out of chairs for families and staff brought in more during the valedictorian speeches. According to Assistant Superintendent Jim Davis, the lack of chairs was something unforeseen, but something that they’ve learned for this year.

“Everett was our largest group. There were more people than we anticipated,” said Davis.

Some staff are hopeful that this year’s graduation will be better considering they know what problems may occur.

“I know there was room for improvement. Graduation at the Breslin went smoothly because we knew what to do,” said head secretary Juanita Kennedy.

Even as people work to improve this year’s experience, many seniors express doubt that graduation will be the event they are hoping for.

“Graduation is such a big celebration, and I feel like it will be chaotic at the Lansing Center,” said 2012 class president Raven Odom.

The Lansing School District has its reasons for switching locations and has hope that this year will be better.

“We want to do graduation in the city of Lansing, and the Lansing Center is the only venue in the city large enough to accommodate the people we expect,” said Davis. “[Also], our district is dealing with major budget issues. The Lansing Center is great and has a lower cost.”

Still, some students and staff have concerns about the issues from last year and don’t want those problems to repeat themselves.

“After one year [at the Lansing Center], I truly appreciate the Breslin Center,” said social studies teacher Judith Hightower. “[Breslin had] the parking and…enough space to ensure anyone that wanted to come see their loved one’s graduation could be accommodated.” Hightower also said she thought it was hard for parents to see their children at the Lansing Center.

Though news reports were said to be exaggerated, a fight that the media called “massive” broke out after the Sexton graduation, which didn’t help people see the Lansing Center as an attractive venue.

“I think the Breslin is much more secure in light of what happened after Sexton’s graduation,” said Hightower. “Overall, the Breslin is a better facility for rehearsal and commencement.”

Despite the harsh comments about last year’s commencement, staff members responsible for planning are still optimistic about the upcoming graduation.

“We are looking at how to arrange the chairs in order to have better sight-line. It’s important that people can see,” said Davis. “Even though the cost is high, we want the experience to be excellent. That’s why we review each ceremony year to year. We have had great cooperation from the Lansing Center regarding concerns.”

With Breslin Center off the table, the idea of graduating in the football stadium has become popular and many seniors would prefer that.

“I think it’s an awesome idea to graduate at the place you spent your high school career,” said 2012 class adviser Jennifer West.

According to staff members that have been in the Lansing School District for decades, graduation has been held in the football stadium before.

“Graduation in the 1970s was held at the Lansing Civic Center. In the late ‘70s, graduation was held at [Eastern High School’s] Johnson Field House,” explained Kennedy. “In the early ‘80s, Everett graduated [on] the football field. In 1991, graduation was held at the Breslin. Last year was our first year at the Lansing Center.”