Preston County Schools reports two senior deaths; district outlines graduation contingencies and supports

Superintendent Mr. Martin told the Preston County Board of Education on May 26 that the district has experienced the tragic deaths of two 12th‑grade students over the past two months. He said the district and Preston High School administrators will respectfully recognize the losses during senior events and that a student memorial service is scheduled.

Mr. Martin said administrators and the graduation committee planned to acknowledge the losses during senior activities this week and would provide supports through student services. "Both of these students will be gravely missed," he said, and staff are coordinating memorial activities and counseling resources.

District officials also described contingency plans for the senior graduation ceremony scheduled for Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at Night Stadium. The district said it will move the ceremony to Friday if weather requires and, if both days are not suitable for an outdoor event, will hold the ceremony in the Preston High School gymnasium with four tickets per graduate as an indoor‑seating contingency. The district also noted recent sound‑system upgrades and testing intended to address past audio issues at Night Stadium.

Board member Mr. Seymour added the district will have a separate ceremony for students in the severe and profound program (four graduates this year), scheduled for Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. in the gym. The district named Mrs. Jessica Lipkcom as the graduate guest speaker for the ceremony.

The superintendent asked the board to be mindful that funeral and memorial logistics can alter senior‑week schedules; his office said it will coordinate further public details and support services with families and school staff.