Graduation Day at Home for CVHS

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By Mary O’KEEFE

The Crescenta Valley High School graduation class of 2013 will be walking across the stage this year on their own campus. It is not the first time the school has hosted its own graduation ceremony. As pointed out by CVW readers, graduation was held in the 1960s at the school, however it appears this is the first time it has been held on the field.

Lisa Reed, assistant principal, has been busy planning the event, which has been challenging at times, but she said it’s working out well.

“We are starting a new tradition on the field,” Reed said.

The stage will be placed on the south side of the field at the 50-yard line, facing north. Bleachers will be brought in and placed in front of the racketball court, on the north side of the field. Additional seating will be placed to the east and west of the stage and graduates will sit in the middle.

Reed has arranged for three gates leading to the field to be open: the main gate off Ramsdell Avenue located at the west end of the field, the Altura Avenue gate located at the east end and the gate that leads between La Crescenta Elementary School and the CVHS campus.

Parking is available at the teacher’s lot on Ramsdell Avenue, the student parking on Ramsdell Avenue north of Community Avenue and the First Baptist Church at 4441 La Crescenta Avenue has offered their lot as well.

“We are also opening up La Crescenta Elementary [playground] for parking,” Reed said.

La Crescenta Elementary is located at 4343 La Crescenta Ave.; the entrance to the available parking is on Prospect Avenue just east of La Crescenta Avenue.

“We will have the elevators operating in the 5000 building and the gym,” Reed added. “If anyone wants to drop people off they can do that in front of the gym.”

This year the graduates will line up in the gym, away from parents and friends. This, Reed said, will help keep everyone organized.

“Only students with cap and gown and staff working the graduation will be allowed in the gym,” she said.

Reed feels graduation on the home campus will be easier than in the past. For years, graduates walked the stage at Stengel Field, however due to earthquake refurbishing the field was no longer a viable option. Then CVHS soon-to-be graduates moved to Glendale Community College, but this year graduation day was during finals at the school and CV was once again looking for a home. This may have been a decision forced upon the student body, but it seems to be a workable and welcome change.

“The kids are so excited,” Reed said. “I am excited.”

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