On 21/5, heavy rain did not deter graduation ceremonies held on the football fields of Centennial High School and Franklin High School in Franklin city, Williamson county, Tennessee. Students, dressed in caps and gowns, sat on chairs in the middle of the field under torrential rain, awaiting their turn to walk onto the stage as their names were called.

"As soon as the opening remarks began, it started to pour", said Victoria Burls, a parent of a Centennial High School student. Her daughter, Gabriella, was among many students who received their diplomas in the harsh weather. Burls noted that while spirits remained high, concerns about potential accidents arose. "I was very worried someone might slip and fall off the stage, especially the elderly", Burls stated. Many planned graduation activities were canceled due to the rain. "My daughter had planned to take photos on the football field and get all dressed up", Burls mentioned.

Graduation ceremony in the rain for students of Centennial High School in Franklin city, Tennessee on 21/5. *Video: X/Wall Street Apes*

Britney Garner's daughter, Akyla, spent hours preparing for her special day. Garner recalled running onto the field with an umbrella to shield her daughter from the downpour. She expressed her belief that the school should have rescheduled the ceremony. "My child invested so much in making this day special and was incredibly excited. I couldn't just sit there and watch my child get completely drenched", Garner explained.

Franklin High School students waited in the rain to receive their diplomas. *Photo: Fox 17 News*

Jason Golden, superintendent of Williamson County Schools, acknowledged the difficulties faced by both Centennial and Franklin high schools' graduation ceremonies due to the weather. He thanked parents and students for their patience. Golden explained that many schools choose to hold graduation ceremonies on campus to make the event more meaningful and to allow more family members to attend. "According to the weather forecast, we thought we would complete the graduation before the rain started", he said. "Unfortunately, unpredictable weather brought rain in the middle of the ceremony". Despite the challenges, he added, "Although the rain impacted both ceremonies, it could not diminish our pride in the graduating students of Centennial and Franklin".

Centennial High School students took to the stage to receive their diplomas. *Photo: Fox 17 News*

Videos of the ceremonies garnered millions of views on social media and hundreds of thousands of comments, sparking a widespread debate. Many users questioned the decision to proceed outdoors. "I think everyone needs a professional event organizer. Why didn't they consider the weather factor?", commented a user named Sabi. Another user, Muyiwa, suggested, "Why didn't they move it to an auditorium? There should have been a plan B. These students deserved a better venue for their ceremony".

In contrast, some users offered positive perspectives. Jerry Dossey observed, "I think the graduation was cool. The students and their families will always remember this memory fondly". User Curious G shared a similar sentiment: "I think it's great. Life can be tough sometimes, but graduating in the rain is still easy. The important thing is to maintain a positive mindset. It's wonderful that they went through such a ceremony together", they wrote.

Hong Hanh (*According to WSMV, Fox News*)