Some Tecumseh Seniors Say No To Graduation Venue

Gan Matthews, News 9

TECUMSEH, Oklahoma -- Graduation Day is approaching for high school seniors across the state. But in Tecumseh, this year's ceremony is full of controversy that's pitting the seniors against the School Board.

For many years graduation ceremonies for Tecumseh High School have been held at the Raley Chapel on the OBU campus in Shawnee. A majority of this year's senior class prefers this location, but a majority of the Tecumseh School Board has another venue in mind.

The Board voted last week to hold graduation at the District's new football stadium in Tecumseh. A three member majority reportedly thought holding it there would make the ceremony more of a community event.

But some seniors think it's a poor location.

"It doesn't have climate control. It's just gonna be real hot and windy. And the photographer said the photos will be horrible," said senior Lauren Hulin.

The students say the 2011 class voted overwhelmingly in favor of Raley Chapel as the site.

"It's a more ceremonial place, rather than a football field where you want to go and cheer and yell and be more obnoxious," said Dylan Hays, Tecumseh senior.

The students have begun a petition drive to rally public opinion to their side. They're collecting signatures at several Tecumseh stores. And if the Board doesn't change its mind--what then?

"After graduation, go to a separate place and have our own graduation, or picket graduation if it comes to that. I hope it doesn't," said senior Jacob Lively.

But unless the Board has a change of heart, on May 19th the Class of 2011 will receive its diplomas on the new football field.

Tecumseh's School Board President tells News 9 the majority was also concerned about a recent Federal court ruling in Connecticut.

The ruling said a graduation ceremony in a church violated the separation of church and state.