Ceremonies Postponed to Ensure Safety Amid Inclement Weather
The graduation ceremonies for Midland Public Schools, including H.H. Dow High School and Midland High School, have been postponed due to concerns over inclement weather that threatened the safety of outdoor events. Originally scheduled for today, May 21, the ceremonies have been rescheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, May 22, 2025, with H.H. Dow High School’s ceremony at 4:15 p.m. and Midland High School’s at 7:15 p.m. The decision was made after weather forecasts predicted severe thunderstorms and strong winds, prompting the district to prioritize the safety of students, families, and staff.
Weather Concerns Lead to Postponement
The decision to delay the graduation ceremonies came after a thorough evaluation of the weather conditions expected for the day. Midland, located in the central region of Michigan, has seen fluctuating weather patterns in recent weeks, with heavy rain, hail, and even occasional tornado warnings affecting the area. On May 21, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Midland County, signaling the possibility of damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding, which could potentially disrupt the outdoor event at Dow Diamond.
The Midland community has experienced similar weather-related disruptions in the past. In recent years, Michigan has seen an increase in unpredictable and extreme weather events, including the late spring storms that often cause disruptions to planned outdoor activities. Given the risk of hazardous weather, Midland Public Schools chose to err on the side of caution by rescheduling the ceremonies to ensure that graduates, their families, and guests would not face any unnecessary danger.
“We always have the safety of our students, families, and staff at the forefront of our decisions,” said Michael Sharrow, Superintendent of Midland Public Schools. “While we understand the disappointment this delay may cause, we believe this is the best option given the forecasted weather conditions. The last thing we want is for anyone to be caught in unsafe weather during such a special occasion.”
Ceremony Locations and Livestream Information
The Midland community has rallied behind the school district’s decision, expressing understanding and support in response to the change. As part of the rescheduling, Midland Public Schools has committed to ensuring that all students, families, and community members have access to the ceremony, whether they attend in person or not.
While the graduations were initially planned to take place outdoors at Dow Diamond, the district has been clear that the ceremonies will still occur at the same venue tomorrow. H.H. Dow High School’s ceremony will be held at 4:15 p.m., followed by Midland High School’s at 7:15 p.m. However, if the weather fails to improve by tomorrow, officials are prepared to move the ceremonies indoors to the respective high school gymnasiums, ensuring the event will still proceed, albeit with a different atmosphere.
For those unable to attend the ceremonies in person due to the weather, Midland Public Schools has made provisions for remote participation. MCTV Network, a local media outlet, will broadcast both ceremonies live across multiple platforms, including cable, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV, as well as online. This will allow families and friends who cannot make it to Dow Diamond to watch the ceremonies from the comfort of their homes. The livestream is expected to draw significant viewership, as the community has expressed strong interest in being a part of the occasion, whether in person or virtually.
“We know that many of our students and their families have been looking forward to this day for years,” said Sharrow. “While it’s not ideal to face this delay, we’re glad to be able to offer a livestream so that even those who cannot be here in person can still participate and celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments.”
Community Reactions to the Postponement
The news of the delay was met with mixed emotions, but overall, the community has rallied behind the decision. Many families, although disappointed by the change in plans, have expressed understanding given the circumstances. For many, graduation day is the culmination of years of hard work, and although the delay is unfortunate, safety remains the priority.
One Midland High School senior, Emma Jones, shared her thoughts on the postponement: “I’m a little bummed that I won’t be walking across the stage today, but I get why they had to do it. It’s not worth risking anyone’s safety. I’m just happy that I’ll still be able to graduate tomorrow and that my family can watch the ceremony on livestream if they can’t make it.”
Local businesses have also shown their support for the rescheduled event. Restaurants and other local venues in the area are offering special deals for families attending the ceremonies, ensuring that the celebration remains memorable for all. In Midland, there is a strong sense of community, and local businesses have a long history of supporting school events, particularly graduations.
Midland High School and H.H. Dow High School: A Legacy of Excellence
Both Midland High School and H.H. Dow High School have long been institutions of pride for the community. The two schools are known for their academic rigor, commitment to extracurricular activities, and the success of their students. Midland High, with its historic campus, is known for its diverse student body and wide range of academic and extracurricular programs. H.H. Dow High, named after the founder of the Dow Chemical Company, is renowned for its strong focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs, along with its arts and athletics.
As Midland’s graduating seniors prepare for their respective ceremonies tomorrow, they are looking ahead to a future filled with possibilities. Many students plan to attend universities, while others are entering the workforce or taking gap years to explore their options. Regardless of their individual paths, the accomplishments of this year’s graduates are being celebrated by the entire community, despite the unexpected postponement.
“This is an exciting time for our community,” said Sharrow. “We have watched these students grow and thrive over the years, and we are proud of their accomplishments. Tomorrow’s ceremonies will be a chance for us to come together, safely, and honor their achievements.”
Looking Ahead: Graduation and Beyond
While the rescheduled ceremonies may come with some logistical challenges, the Midland community is eager to celebrate the successes of its students. Whether in person at Dow Diamond or virtually through the livestream, the class of 2025 will have their moment in the spotlight tomorrow.
This graduation season has been a bittersweet one for many students and families, particularly given the ongoing adjustments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years. However, with the support of the Midland Public Schools administration and the local community, the graduates of H.H. Dow and Midland High Schools will now get the opportunity to celebrate their success in a way that prioritizes safety and community connection.