LHS changes Graduation for construction

By LPR Staff

Editor/POST-REGISTER

Progress comes with consequences.

This year, for the first time in recent history, those consequences include sweeping changes to the Lockhart High School Class of 2016 Commencement ceremony.

Lockhart’s Commencement Ceremonies have been moved to the Strahan Coliseum in San Marcos, and will be

held on Thursday, June 2, 2016, instead than of the traditional last Friday in May.

“Lockhart High School and all of our staff are thrilled to have the opportunity to share one of the greatest days in a young person’s life with you, your families, friends and relatives of the graduates,” said an information packet distributed to the Class of 2016 by Lockhart High School Staff. “Together, we can all make this day a great one.”

In an effort to streamline the information process, LHS has prepared a packet of information and Frequently Asked Questions and mapping information to help parents navigate the hours leading up to the ceremony.

Gates at Strahan Coliseum will open at 6:30 p.m., the separate points of access for parents and students. The ceremony itself will begin at 8 p.m., and is expected to conclude by 10 p.m.

Because of the location of the ceremony, and the change to a weeknight, the District recommends that parents allow ample travel and parking time, as rush hour traffic, weather, trains and other factors are known to impede traffic flow in the area of Texas State University.

Strahan Coliseum is located at the corner of Aquarena Springs Drive and Charles Austin Drive, on the Texas State University Campus in San Marcos. Parking is available across Charles Austin Drive, in the main parking lot for Strahan Coliseum and Bobcat Stadium.

Parents are invited to enter the facility through one of two entrances on the east side of the building, marked as Entrance One and Entrance Four. Attempts to enter the building through any other access points will be redirected. Once parents and guests have entered the facility, there will be no assigned seating, apart from assigned stage seats for those participating in the ceremony. Parents and guests will not be granted access to the stage area or the main floor, and are encouraged to make arrangements to meet with their graduates in the Sewell Park/San Marcos River area for photographs and congratulations after the ceremony.

Another significant change in the Commencement Ceremony will revolve around the Chain of Knowledge.

As is historic for LHS Graduates, the Class of 2016 will pass the Chain of Knowledge to the Class of 2017 as they take their seats to begin the ceremony. However, the Class of 2017 will be asked to take their seats in the auditorium well before the beginning of the ceremony, and will be called from their seats to line up for the Chain of Knowledge as that part of the ceremony begins.

Unlike other students participating in Commencement Ceremonies, juniors participating in the Chain of Knowledge will ride to San Marcos with their families and friends.

All graduating seniors participating in the Commencement Ceremony will be transported from Lockhart High School to Strahan Coliseum via bus. In addition, band members will be transported to the Coliesum by bus, and all students participating, whether band members or graduates, will be allowed to participate only if they ride the bus. Students may not choose to ride to San Marcos with family or friends, according to LHS staff.

Band students must report to the Band Hall by 5 p.m., and graduating seniors should gather in the Lion’s Den by 6 p.m.

Buses will depart the Coliseum 30 minutes after the close of the ceremony. All students participating in Project Graduation are expected to be on the bus at that time. Students who are not participating in Project Graduation may either take the bus back to Lockhart High School, or ride with their parents.

Band students that intend to ride home with their parents are expected to notify Head Band Director Clay McNeill no later than June 1.

Other things to know:

Food and beverages – No outside food and beverage will be allowed in the facility. Concession stands will be in operation.

Cell Phones – Cell phones and other mobile device can be very distracting and must be kept in silent or vibrate mode during the ceremony. Graduates will turn their cell phone in to designated teachers prior to the ceremony. Those cell phones will be returned at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Weapons – For the safety of all patrons, weapons of any kind are not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: knives, guns, pepper spray, fireworks, etc. which could potentially harm others.

Coolers – Please refrain from bringing coolers to the Stadium as they will not be allowed inside. Large bags such as backpacks are discouraged.

Smoking – There is no smoking. Electronic Cigarettes (E-cigs) are not allowed.

Noisemakers: Noisemakers (including but not limited to: air horns, whistles, rattlers, cowbells, thunder sticks and any other item that would distract others) will not be allowed in the stadium. Please remember this is a time for everyone to celebrate and we do not want to take away from any one graduate’s experience.

Banners, Signs, Flags, Balloons – No banners or flags are allowed as they could prevent the view of others. Signs are limited to normal letter size, 8.5 by 11 inches. Items outside these parameters will have to be returned to your vehicle or thrown away during entry. In addition to these items creating obstructions, balloons are another item that should be avoided and are not allowed.

First Aid – Texas State University Police Department will be on site to assist with a necessary emergency situations should the need arise. They will have a direct line to EMS if it is determined they are needed.

If you have any other specific questions regarding items that may or may not be allowed, please contact Shannon Kloesel at (512) 398-0330, or Laurie Lay, Assistant Principal, at laurie.lay@lockhart.txed.net.