The Search for a Graduation Location Continues
November 11, 2019
After the last football game in November, Watson Field will be under construction and no longer available for graduation. This issue leaves the question of where the senior graduation will be held, considering that Gondos have always walked Watson Field to receive their diplomas.
“Right after the football season, we will no longer have a stadium so they can finish some of the construction projects on campus,” said Ms. Lakisha Clark, assistant principal. “So no stadium, no graduation [on the Watson Field].”
At first, graduation was supposed to be held at Santa Monica College but seniors soon learned plans have changed for the graduation venue for a number of reasons.
“The biggest thing was that they weren’t able to host us on that particular day because it was in the middle of their finals,” said Ms. Clark. “They did offer us two alternate days, but one was too early and one was two weeks after we get out of school.”
With SMC no longer being the college to host the graduation, this left seniors with one question: where will graduation be held?
As of now, Venice High is in negotiations with Loyola Marymount University.
“Right now we’re going into negotiations, but it will probably be at Loyola Marymount. As soon as it’s finalized, it will be communicated to everyone.” said Ms. Clark.
Some people feel very distraught that the field will be changed into something new as the Watson Field holds many memories.
“I feel very sad about it” said Mr. Vidal Sandoval. “My family came here, I came here. I identify with old Venice. It’s very sad to me because I graduated there. There are many memories there, but I understand that change has to come. And so what can you do?”
Some students hold a lot of emotions connected to the Watson field, and not being able to graduate there has more of an effect on them. Many people who grew up in the area and their families also attended Venice High School and have created have many memories of the football field.
“I feel like it’s unfair that we won’t be able to graduate in the place where we attended and grew up in.” said senior Nari Nam. “There’s a possible chance that we may be the only seniors that are going to be graduating somewhere else rather than our high school campus.”
However, other students have no problem with it.
“That’s fine with me, but I would have preferred it to be at school,” said senior Eugene Villamor.
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Marcus Lee • Dec 16, 2019 at 1:58 PM
They should graduate at LMU!
Shannon O. • Dec 9, 2019 at 2:45 PM
Is there a way to utilize the front lawn of Venice HS? Rent Bleachers, a stage, and make the main Art Deco building the back drop to whole event? The bleachers may need to be at an angle both West and East “facing” the center. The main stage could incorporate the Merna Loy statue (at its center). The graduating class seats could be facing the main building (backs to the street). Maybe with the use of projectors / monitors, those at an odd angle or too far away can still view the event live? Maybe stream the event for those who cannot attend?
Just a thought.
Mike Chiarolla • Dec 8, 2019 at 3:00 PM
I would think that the front lawn of the school would be large enough to accommodate the graduation. Parking is still available, and at least it would be held on the same grounds. Circus type tents are available. I would think that now is the time to think ” out of the box” , as I ponder how simple a solution would be if we all get involved!
MLC
theresa blackwell • Dec 7, 2019 at 4:09 PM
Check out Culver City. Vets Aud or the high school
Jo Mahoney • Dec 7, 2019 at 1:47 PM
I don’t even know why they have redo field.It is tradition to have graduation at the location you went to school.They might as well email the diploma or put in regular mail. Forget the whole ceremony. Memories and tradition we should not get rid of ceremony nor move it. Try the front lawn for graduation.Why not . I am from class of 1973
Bob Watt • Dec 7, 2019 at 12:34 PM
Our Scimitar class of 1956 helped name and dedicate the football field as Homer K. Watson Field and donated the plaque to so designate it. We were very fond of this man who deserved that accolade after many years of dedication to Venice Hi. Strangely, we did not graduate on that field, but in the auditorium as our class was about 350 in number. Times change; life changes, and we go on.proudly as Gondoliers…
Virginia Ladd Stewart • Dec 7, 2019 at 11:54 AM
In 1960, we graduated in the boys gym.
Dominick Falzone • Dec 7, 2019 at 10:31 AM
Mark Twain Junior High School and and Beethoven Elementary School are a block north of Venice High School. Hold the graduation there.
I am a graduate of both Mark Twain and Venice High School from many years ago..
Roberta ( Hutzen) Jansen • Dec 6, 2019 at 8:47 PM
I graduated Summer 1961 and was the first member of my family to graduate. My grandfather and uncle help rebuild the school after the earthquake. Have you tried other high schools closer to Venice or is there anyway the field could be covered so that the class could walk there. I haven’t seen the projected plans but it would seem that all avenues must be explored before dismissing using Venice High. What about the front lawn. That’s where our senior picture was taken .