In 2007, the United States was in a time of mass population growth, better known as a baby boom. This has now translated into the class of 2026 being the largest that Highlands High School has seen in years. With 281 students filling the hallways, the topic of graduation has risen. 

Graduation takes place on the Highlands campus every year. This year, however, the Performing Arts Center (PAC) is unable to hold the amount of seniors and their families due to fire safety concerns. This means that graduation would have to take place outside in the David Cecil Memorial Stadium to hold everyone, despite potential weather complications. 

“I think the hard thing this year is if we have it at Highlands, it would have to be on the football field because the PAC is not an option… So the biggest issue with that is you’re waiting to make sure the weather cooperates,” John Darnell, Highlands High School principal, said. 

Likewise, seniors and parents have mixed feelings about where graduation should be located due to the tradition that having it at Highlands holds. 

“Graduation has always been at Highlands… I just feel like the football stadium is like an important landmark for our town, too, so I feel like a lot of people feel connected to it and having graduation here kind of makes it more sentimental,” Liza Zengel (12) said. 

While the pros of having graduation are apparent and important to the town it is also important to recognize the struggles and concerns that having the location at Highlands withhold.

“The cons would be that it’s very hard to plan something when it’s dependent on weather and they’re already some limitations and barriers. Having it in the PAC or the football field, there is a limited handicap accessible seating and parking for either of those settings and it’s really hard to plan,” senior parent Lisa Littner said. 

Graduation is a key point in the lives of seniors and their families. Having it at Highlands will make the memories much more sentimental while having it away will allow students to share their accomplishments with close friends and family. 

“I think it’s cute. It’s nostalgic. It’s like the last time you’re probably going to be in the school. Most of us probably aren’t really going to come back so it will be a cute send off,” Phol Jiraphasuksakul (12) said. 

No matter where graduation will be located, it will be an important point of every senior’s life that they will remember for years to come. As these birds make their way towards the future, they will remember their high school years for many years.  

“I think it’s a way you get to wrap up a chapter of your life at a place where you spend 7 years,” Darnell said.