Tully High School moves graduation indoors due to heat

TULLY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Several school districts in Central New York will be holding their high school commencement Friday night.

But the hot weather has many districts on standby to ensure families and their loved ones can celebrate their graduates safely.

Some districts have decided to move their graduation indoors, including Tully Central School District.

“We started talking about this decision last week when we saw the heat wave coming,” said Darcy Woodcock, Superintendent of Tully Central School District.

Woodcock says moving the graduation indoors was brought up in conversation just last Friday, after seeing the forecast. A decision to move the ceremony inside to the school’s air-conditioned auditorium was made on Monday, with safety at the top of mind.

“Tully’s colors are black and red. So we’re all in black gowns, makes it much hotter, we also have grandparents and guests joining us that we want to make sure their comfortable too,” said Woodcock.

More than 50 students at Tully High School will be walking across the stage, celebrating a major milestone as they earn their diplomas.

“Ultimately this night is about our students and celebrating their accomplishments and we want to be able to focus on that. We want everyone to be comfortable while we celebrate our students,” said Woodcock.

Typically, the senior class can vote on where they’d like to have their ceremony held, with the school’s front lawn being an option. The other option is inside. This year, students voted to have it on the front lawn, with a view of the mountains. But the superintendent says it’s better to recognize their students safely.

“There’s no shade, where we hold it. So we would not be able to place any of our guests in the shade, it would just be too hot today,” said Woodcock.

The district will also be live-streaming its graduation, allowing families and friends to celebrate right at home.

“They’ll be able to click on one link and go right to the live stream,” said Woodcock.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and commencement will begin at 5:00 p.m.

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