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Martinsburg parent urges district apology after graduation proceeded in downpour
Summary
A Martinsburg High School parent said the school’s outdoor graduation was held in heavy rain without adequate contingency planning, damaged diplomas and led to medical issues; the speaker asked for personal written apologies to the affected graduates.
BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. — During public comments at the June 2 board meeting, a Martinsburg High School parent denounced district leadership’s handling of the class of 2025 graduation, saying the outdoor ceremony proceeded in heavy rain, diplomas were damaged and some students developed medical issues afterward.
The parent told the board the graduation “was marred by avoidable and irresponsible leadership” and said other nearby districts postponed or rescheduled ceremonies as storms moved in. She raised equity concerns, saying Martinsburg is the county’s most economically disadvantaged and diverse high school and that students there did not receive the same accommodations as graduates at other county high schools.
“Students were soaked, diplomas were damaged, and medical issues followed, including my daughter who required treatment the very next day,” the speaker said. She asked the board to issue a personal written apology to each affected Martinsburg graduate rather than a mass PR statement.
The parent also criticized parking fees charged for the event and said some concession and parking arrangements left wheelchair‑bound guests and older attendees exposed to the elements. She urged district elected officials and administrators to prioritize student safety and dignity when making venue decisions.
Why it matters: public comment raises community concerns about event planning, equity across schools, and student safety. The speaker asked the board to investigate and consider individualized written apologies.
What the board did: the comment was received during the public-comment portion of the meeting; no formal action was taken June 2. District administrators later noted graduation planning falls under school operations and will be reviewed as part of event planning protocols.
