After a lot of discussion, input and listening to the preferences of all involved, Batavia High School officials have decided to stick with the Convocation Center at Northern Illinois University for graduation ceremonies for the class of 2014.
"I want to thank everyone for their help in making this difficult decision," Batavia High School Principal JoAnne Smith said to parents and students in an email note sent by School District 101. "While our administrative team knew that this would be a challenging task, it was even more complicated than we imagined."
Smith said the NIU site was chosen because a school survey indicated that "an overwhelming majority of stakeholders wished to hold graduation in a locale that could accommodate more guests."
The second, difficult task was to choose a date and time for the graduation ceremony. The class of 2014 ceremony will be held at the Convocation Center at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, just two days before the scheduled end of the 2013-14 school year.
"This date had the least number of conflicts with student activities, while remaining close to the end of the school year," Smith said.
The administration began looking at the graduation date and venue during meetings in late June. Administrators received input from a focus group and invited any and all interested participants to attend the meeting in June. A survey was sent out to make sure parents had an opportunity to add their 2 cents.
Some residents had expressed concerns about the cost of an off-campus graduation and the distance to travel, but the need for space and the ability of families to not have to limit the number of guests tipped the scales for the NIU venue.
"I understand that this decision may not meet every graduate's ideal date and/or location, but we made the decision that appealed to the needs of the largest number of students." Smith said. "Thank you for your understanding."
