Graduation ceremonies at two Tennessee high schools have sparked outrage after they were held outdoors in torrential rain, leaving graduates and families drenched. Centennial High School and Franklin High School both proceeded with their ceremonies on Thursday despite heavy downpours, prompting criticism from parents and social media users.
Viral clips showed students seated on a football field as rain pelted their caps and gowns, while families sat soaked in the stands. Parent Victoria Burls told WSMV, “As soon as they started speaking, it started pouring.” Her daughter plans to redo photos on the field. Another parent, Britney Garner, ran to shield her daughter Akyla with an umbrella, saying, “I could not stand to see her get drowned like that.”
Graduate Brooklyn Broadnax noted that planned moments, including a silence for a classmate who died last year, were skipped. “Penelope was going to graduate with us. We could at least do a moment of silence,” she told WTVF. Her godmother, Michelle Wyatt, raised safety concerns for elderly attendees navigating puddles.
Williamson County School Superintendent Jason Golden defended the decision, stating the outdoor venue allowed more loved ones to attend. “Based on forecasts, we expected to complete ceremonies before the rain, but conditions changed,” he said, adding that the rain “could not diminish our pride.”
