Peabody High to switch day of graduation ceremony

PEABODY – The class of 2009 will be graduating two days earlier this year, as School Committee members voted in favor of a cooler Friday evening ceremony.Peabody High School Principal Ed Sapienza proposed the idea as an alternative to the Sunday tradition that often falls on one of the hottest days of the year.”Last year, the stifling temperatures and blazing sun created a dangerous and extremely uncomfortable situation that detracted from the event,” he said in a release to the Committee. “5 p.m. will avoid the heat of the day.”Sapienza came before the Committee Tuesday night to further explain his motive. He said that moving from Sunday to Friday will allow families and friends more time to plan their celebrations, decrease custodial overtime fees and prevent any religious disturbances.Results from a student survey, which was handed out to all senior English classes, showed an overwhelming amount of support for the change. Out of the 320 surveyed, 280 voted in favor of a Friday ceremony, while only 40 expressed their wish to maintain the tradition.The plan has also received support from PTSO parents, school council parents, teachers, staff and religious leaders in the community, Sapienza said.”I’ve been saying this for years,” said School Committee member Ed Nizwantowski. “I think that what you’re doing is a wise decision.”Other members expressed concern over traffic during rush hour, but Sapienza reassured them that with a 5 p.m. start time, the headache should be avoided.June 12 will also serve as the culminating event of senior week, during which time prom and other end of the year celebrations take place.School Committee member Beverley Ann Griffin Dunne was the sole vote against making the change, citing that she still had some reservations.”I worry about all the kids breaking loose,” she said, explaining that an evening graduation would mean students driving around after celebrating all night.Sapienza assured her that he would take precautions if he felt they were necessary, but noted that one of the most horrific incidents occurred years ago after a Sunday ceremony. A student was killed after driving with his head out the window.If all goes well on Sunday this year, Sapienza said he would like to see it turn into the new Peabody graduation tradition.