After initially stating that its graduation would be held May 15, Tennessee’s Cleveland High School announced Wednesday afternoon that it would postpone the event to June 12.
The original announcement was met with significant dismay and frustration from the community, as Cleveland was the only school in Bradley County that hadn’t pushed its date back due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The plan was for the May 15 event to be split into two separate graduations, based on students’ last names. That led to an outcry by student government leaders who wanted to ensure that members of the Class of 2020 would be able to graduate together.
Cleveland High is one of three high schools in Bradley County, and the only one in its school system. The Bradley County school system has two high schools – Bradley Central and Walker Valley – that each had previously announced their graduations would be held in June.
A petition was created on Change.org to have the CHS graduation postponed, and as of Thursday morning had 2,437 signatures.
“We know there’s no easy decision,” Student Government Association President Annabelle Pelley told radio station Mix 104.1 on Friday. “This is an unprecedented time, and nobody really knows how to proceed. We just would love to graduate with the kids we started kindergarten with and have been in school with for 12 years.
“Everyone was disappointed by the May 15 announcement, because you could be separated from a best friend or a classmate you’ve been with since kindergarten, in addition to the safety concerns people have had.”
In Cleveland’s announcement, officials referred to consultation with the Bradley County Health Department as well as the student government leadership – which administration had met with earlier in the week – which led to the change.
“As was announced in our original graduation communication, Cleveland High School and Cleveland City Schools are committed to ensuring public health is a priority during this current pandemic,” a Facebook statement read. “After our discussion regarding the latest data for Bradley County, it was determined that it is best to wait a little longer before proceeding with a group event. Details regarding the June 12 graduation ceremony will be announced later after consultation with health officials, the graduation committee and senior student leadership.”
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3.