New Bedford High School Postpones Graduation Ceremony

It's a day that high school students look forward to for years.

It's not unusual for kids to count down the days to their high school graduation, but they'll have to add another link to the red construction paper chains at New Bedford High School.

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Anderson made the call Wednesday to postpone the commencement ceremonies for one day. The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2022, originally scheduled to take place on Walsh Field on Thursday, June 9, has been postponed until Friday, June 10, 7 p.m., due to field conditions.

"Heavy rains this morning and downpours forecasted for tomorrow have necessitated a 24-hour postponement to allow students to safely rehearse in dry conditions and to enable crews adequate time to set up for the event," New Bedford Public Schools announced on Facebook.

Graduating seniors are asked to report to New Bedford High School on Friday morning at 8 a.m. for rehearsal.

Because of the number of students, friends and family drawn to the event, the ceremony needs to take place outdoors.  This, of course, makes it conditional to agreeable weather.

"As far back as I can remember it has been an outdoor event," New Bedford High School spokesman Arthur Motta said. "The auditorium holds 1,200 people, but with the number of graduates and family members that attend it would have to be a ticketed event with very limited seating which is not something you are looking for with a graduation."

This is certainly not the first time the commencement has been postponed due to weather. The 2013 ceremony, among other years, also needed to be bumped.