Stock photo

Stock photo

Kent seniors set protest for May 26 against drive-thru graduations

Students to show up at school district administration building

High school seniors plan to protest the drive-thru graduation ceremonies scheduled by the Kent School District in an effort to get a more typical ceremony.

The protest is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 26 at the Kent School District headquarters, 12033 SE 256th St., according to social media postings.

While most surrounding districts are using outdoor stadiums for high school graduations this year, the Kent School District plans to do drive-thru ceremonies at schools similar to last year due to COVID-19.

The district operates French Field next to Kent-Meridian High School, a stadium some students and parents have suggested as a potential site. A few also suggested renting T-Mobile Park in Seattle as an option.

School Board to discuss graduation

Kent School Board Director Leslie Hamada said that the plan for graduation ceremonies will be on the board’s agenda during its 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 26 virtual meeting, according to Facebook posts.

Hamada responded by email to organizers of a online petition drive by Class of 2021 seniors and their parents to get a full graduation ceremony. A total of 338 people had signed the petition as of Friday morning, May 21. Hamada let them know the item would be on the board’s agenda.

Those who want the district to change graduation plans plan to testify virtually at the board meeting and are encouraging people to email the board members at kentboard@kent.k12.wa. District staff typically reads emails received during the board meeting.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Competing for the 8th Congressional District: Carmen Goers, left, and Kim Schrier. COURTESY PHOTOS
Adam Smith and Kim Schrier will retain Congress seats | Election 2024

Smith represents the 9th Congressional District and Schrier represents the 8th Congressional District.

Pictured left to right: Sen. Bob Hasegawa (D), Rep. David Hackney, and Rep. Steve Bergquist (Courtesy of Democratic Caucus)
Democratic incumbents in lead for 11th Legislative District

Bob Hasegawa, David Hackney and Steve Bergquist have strong leads, with Hasegawa and Hackney running unopposed.

Debra Entenman and Kyle Lyebyedyev. File photos
Entenman and Stearns lead in 47th District | Election 2024

The district includes Kent, Covington and Auburn.

File photo
Kent School District levy is failing at the polls | Election 2024

Early election results show voters rejecting the proposed Capital Projects and Technology Levy.

Larry Best, a customer coordinator for quality assurance who has worked at Boeing for 38 years, stands outside of Angel of the Winds Arena with a “vote no” sign on Monday in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists approve contract, ending 52-day strike

After voting no twice, 59% of union members approved the latest contract.

Photos from the United States Attorney's Office Western District of Washington press release.
Kent man arrested in connection to violent drug trafficking gang investigation

Law enforcement seized more than 20 kilograms of fentanyl, 60 firearms, and more than $130,000 in cash.

Courtesy Photo, King County
Son accused of fatally shooting mother’s boyfriend in Kent back in jail

Dondre Butler has 3 violations in 13 months of electronic home detention after charged with murder in 2022

t
Kent Police targeted street patrols result in arrest of two felons

One driver spotted in a vehicle with no plates; another driver reportedly in a stolen vehicle

t
Kent cold case murder suspect back in state after governor’s warrant | Update

Kenneth Kundert fought extradition from Arkansas after August arrest in 1980 killing of Dorothy Silzel

t
City of Kent eyes November opening for Reith Road roundabouts

Two more roundabouts will bring total in city to six; three more in future plans

t
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire honors this year’s 20 retirees

17 firefighters and 3 staff members retire; firefighters served between 24 and 35 years