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Auburn schools move graduation indoors to Norway Savings Bank Arena; livestream and memorial seats included
Summary
Auburn Public Schools moved its 2025 graduation from the Edward Little High School stadium to Norway Savings Bank Arena because of weather, livestreamed the ceremony, set aside three memorial seats for deceased students and arranged a post-ceremony 'project graduation' at Saint Joseph's College in Standish.
Auburn Public Schools moved its 2025 graduation indoors at the last minute because of weather, Superintendent Dr. Sue Doris told the Auburn School Committee on June 4. The district worked with Norway Savings Bank Arena and city partners to host the ceremony, which was livestreamed and recorded for later viewing on the district website.
Principal Ackley, who led the presentation to the committee, said the district "fit just over 2,400 people in Norway" by reconfiguring the arena footprint and staging. "We were able to give every family a minimum of eight tickets," Ackley said. The setup included just over 1,200 general-admission chairs on the floor, more than 100 reserved seats, 242 graduate seats and three memorial seats for three students from the graduating class who died during their four years.
The move followed a weather-driven pivot from the Edward Little High School stadium. District staff and partners — including Auburn Public Works, Norway Savings Bank Arena staff and private vendors such as audio-visual contractor Greg Kenneboros — coordinated the reconfiguration on short notice. Ackley credited the planning team, and told the committee the arena footprint and large video panels helped people in the back of the arena see the program.
After the ceremony — which the presenter said concluded at about 9:10 p.m. — the district arranged a supervised post-graduation event called Project Graduation at Saint Joseph's College in Standish. Students were bused to the college, where parents and staff ran activities and supervised an alcohol- and substance-free event; the presenter reported students returned to the high school early the next morning and were collected by about 4:45 a.m.
The ceremony program included student speeches and a video compiled from elementary school classes; the committee heard that staff member Stephanie Weber helped assemble the kindergarten videos shown to graduates. The committee also heard that Norway Savings Bank Arena can serve as a viable alternate site for future rain-date needs.
Committee members praised the quick pivot and noted positive community feedback. "The best part for me ... was the smiles on all of your faces all evening," said committee member Pat (last name not specified).
