The Fighting Irish won’t lose out on graduation.
The Kennedy High commencement ceremony scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, May 22, at Handel Stadium was canceled shortly before it was set to begin out of caution as a team of first responders and experts tried to contain a malfunctioning tank containing a flammable, volatile chemical used in plastics and manufacturing at an aerospace plant in West Garden Grove.
On Saturday, they were still looking for ways to prevent a potential explosion of the tank or a rupture that could spew thousands of gallons of the toxic material as tens of thousands of West Garden Grove residents and residents of neighboring communities remained under evacuation orders.
Anaheim Union High School District officials have announced a new date for the postponed graduation: 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, at the Anaheim Convention Center.
“Your safety is our No. 1 priority. We know how disappointing it was to cancel it on such short notice,” a Kennedy High social media post said.
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District officials said in their announcement on social media that the city of Anaheim partnered with the district to quickly find a new location.
“This collaborative effort reflects the strength of our AUHSD community schools and the shared commitment to ensuring our students receive the celebration they deserve,” school officials said in their statement. “Together, we continue to show what is possible when a community comes together to support its students.”
Kennedy High officials are expected to announce further details on the ceremony on the school’s social media.
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