Storm threat prompts Crook Co. HS commencement move

More than 200 Crook County High School seniors were getting their diplomas at Friday night’s commencement ceremony — but not quite where they planned.

Due to predicted thunderstorms, the school district moved the ceremony that was originally planned to take place outdoors at Ward Rhoden Stadium to the nearby Crook County Fairgrounds indoor arena.

County leaders came together and opened up the arena at the fairgrounds for the high school graduation. The arena can hold more than 200 people and school maintenance crews were working Friday morning to get it all set up.

Principal Michelle Jonas told NewsChannel 21, the school notified families through automated phone calls and social media and arranged to have staff at the stadium to let people know of the changes.

“Early on, there were concerns on what we were doing, just over communicating and letting people know this is our plan,” Jonas said.

She said she knows some people will be disappointed the graduation won’t be held at the stadium but is citing safety for the change of venue.

Moving a commencement ceremony at the last minute has its share of challenges, but all pitch in to make it happen, such as the city of Prineville road crews putting up signage to direct visitors to the right place.

Michelle Simpson, owner of The Posie Shoppe in Prineville, was busy getting the flowers ready for the graduation.

That includes the balloon bouquets and the corsages for the graduates.