The community had 550 reasons to be Dickinson proud Thursday night as the Dickinson High School Class of 2013 received their diplomas. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate forcing the school district to delay the ceremony a little more than two hours, but at approximately 9:45 p.m. graduates marched onto the field to the cheers of thousands of family and friends watching.

  

The decision to delay the ceremony was made after talking with Galveston County emergency personnel who said a fast-moving storm was approaching the area with heavy rain, lightening and hail. The safety of the graduates, family and friends was a priority in delaying the ceremony. Information about the delay was posted on the district website and sent out via Facebook and Twitter.

  

The decision to delay the ceremony instead of moving it to a different day was made for several reasons. Coordinating a district event with a crowd of 6,000 guests is a large undertaking. To manage traffic control, open the stadium, control lights and sound, run the scoreboard, clean restrooms, run the golf carts to help with elderly and handicapped guests, etc. takes many people. Between police officers, maintenance and operations staff, transportation staff members, high school teachers, counselors and administrators, there are approximately 100 volunteers involved in the running of the event. When consulted, many of these people said that they were unable to work on Friday night. This would have created a safety issue for guests and students and negatively impacted the quality of graduation.

  

The district's main concern was that parents, family and friends be able to see their graduate receive his or her diploma and we were able to accomplish that goal by focusing on the presentation of diplomas during the actual ceremony. Unfortunately, it was not in the time frame that we had planned or hoped for. The students handled the change of plans well and in fact, enjoyed the close knit final good-bye with their classmates. The valedictorian and salutatorian were consulted about the need for the changes and were very accommodating and understanding.

  

We wish all 550 graduates a successful future as they move onto college or enter the workforce. They have made us Dickinson proud and we encourage them to take everything they have learned and make a difference in whatever path they choose to follow.

  

Congratulations Dickinson High School Class of 2013!

The Dickinson Independent School District and the City of Dickinson will offer a free summer recreation program at Dunbar Middle School beginning Tuesday, June 11 until Thursday, June 27. The program will be offered Monday-Thursday during these days. Hours are from 8:30 a.m.-12 noon for students in grades K-6 and 12 noon-3 p.m. for students in grades 7-12. Participants may take part in activities such as basketball, ping-pong, board games and outdoor recreation. Parents will need to register participants at Dunbar beginning Tuesday, June 11. The school district will not provide transportation.