WinterSports2002.com, Wednesday, March 27, 2002

3 high schools' graduation plans disrupted

By Twila Van Leer
Deseret News staff writer

The decision to close Kearns High School for a week during the Olympics has upset graduation plans for three Granite District high schools.

Kearns originally had been scheduled to graduate May 31 and to share the costs of the E Center with Granger and Hunter high schools, with each school to use those facilities for part of the day. Now, Kearns students must attend classes for a week after other schools will be recessed for the summer.

The school will hold graduation for its 549 seniors on June 7 at 6 p.m. and will have to bear the costs of the rental for that day. Granger and Hunter also have been affected, as they will have to assume the third of the costs that would have gone to Kearns on May 31.

The E Center charges $10,000 a day. West Valley City traditionally has helped high schools to meet that fee and will continue to make a contribution this year, said Danielle Kitchen, secretary in the district's school services section.

"The district also is helping out a little because of the unusual circumstances," she said.

Kearns has been exploring options for raising money to make up the difference, said Colleen Eyre, a secretary. One way would be to ask students to donate the $10 fee refund they usually would receive at the end of the year. "We put it to the parents. Those who are willing may donate the money," she said.

Some Kearns parents believe the school should look for other options.

Vickie Firth suggested the graduation could be held at the ice arena across the street from the school. But the arena's bleachers have since been removed and that isn't an option, said Kitchen.

"They could have used their auditorium, but they feel it is too small to seat as many guests as might want to attend a graduation," said Kitchen. The auditorium also is not air conditioned.

The roomier E Center was the choice of a majority of the students.

West High, which, like Kearns, received permission to dismiss during Olympics days, will not delay its graduation. Rather, the school will make up the time off in its spring break and the emergency "snow day."

E-MAIL: tvanleer@desnews.com

© 2002 Deseret News Publishing Company