FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WSMV) – Heavy rains Thursday night did not stop high school graduations in Williamson County.
Both Centennial High School and Franklin High School read the names of their graduating class in a torrential downpour. Students dressed in caps and gowns walked across the stage as the rain fell.
“As soon as they started speaking, it started pouring,” said Victoria Burls, parent of a Centennial graduate.
Victoria’s daughter, Gabriella, was one of many students who faced the elements to get their diploma. Victoria said while spirits stayed high, they were a little worried things could take a turn.
“I was like nervous someone was going to slip and fall down the bleachers, like all the elderly people,” Burls said.
Many of the festivities that come with the special day are having to take a rain check.
“My daughter is already planning to re-do photos. Like, she wants to go back and do photos on the football field and get all done-up again,” Burls said.
Britney Garner’s daughter Akyla also spent hours getting ready for the big day. Britney said when the rain came in, she went down to the field with an umbrella to try to help keep her dry. She said she thinks the school should be given a re-do.
“My child who had put so much into this day to make it special, and was so excited, I could just not stand to sit there and see her get drowned like that,” Garner said.
In a statement, Williamson County School Superintendent Jason Golden said the district knows the rain made the graduations at Centennial and Franklin challenging, and the district appreciates the patience of families. He said many schools choose to hold ceremonies on football fields because students and families have shared how meaningful it is to celebrate the milestone on campus, and it allows more loved ones to attend.
“Based on forecasts and radar, we expected to complete last night’s ceremonies at Centennial and Franklin before the next wave of rain began, but unfortunately, changing conditions brought rain during the events,” Golden said. “While the rain impacted those two ceremonies, it could not diminish our pride in our Centennial and Franklin graduates.”
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