OUR OPINION: GRADUATION

No matter what sort of curve has been thrown at them the Brainerd High School Class of 2005 has adjusted accordingly, and usually with a sense of humor.

Disappointed at losing their open campus privileges seniors created orange inmate-style T-shirts blazoned with the slogan "Prison District 181." The shirts were a hit at last fall's lip sync contest during Homecoming week.

Losing open campus wasn't the only adjustment seniors had to make. There was a stricter dress code aimed at keeping skirt lengths from getting too short. There were also more locked doors at the high school with access into the building, outside of the beginning and end of the school day, limited primarily to the main entrance.

The latest glitch in the world of this year's high school seniors is the news that an irrigation installation project at Don Adamson Field will force their May 27 graduation indoors.

The gym has been the site of many Brainerd graduations ceremonies but in our view it rates a poor second to the football field as a graduation site. In good weather, Don Adamson Field is a beautiful site for commencement. In addition to seating more people it offers fresh air, something that's greatly appreciated on a muggy night. When rain or severe weather threatens, the graduation can always be moved indoors on fairly short notice.

In recent graduation ceremonies Brainerd area families that were seated in the football bleachers have thrilled to the sight of the cap and gown-clad seniors marching down the long stairs that lead from the high school and the beauty of Canada geese flying along the Mississippi River as graduates receive their degrees.

Many of the 2005 graduates and their families are disappointed graduation had to be moved indoors this year. One can't help but wonder if the project schedule couldn't have been delayed to accommodate an outdoor graduation ceremony.

Moving graduation indoors isn't the end of the world and this year's graduates will be as joyous and high-spirited as any class, but in the future we hope school officials make every possible effort to avoid conflicts between school improvements and an important ceremony that graduates will remember for the rest of their lives.