Tonight William Penn High School proudly held a graduation ceremony for 560 seniors at the University of Delaware’s (UD) Bob Carpenter Center. Colonial School District officials worked closely with officials at the center who were advised a week ago that 4,800 tickets were issued to students for their families. This number is well within the capacity discussed with university officials prior to tonight’s ceremony. Additionally, the tickets were designed in a way so they could not be duplicated. Despite all efforts on the part of Colonial officials, UD police and public safety officers denied families access to enter the building shortly after the ceremony began at 6:30 p.m. Officials at the Bob Carpenter Center said the number of people in attendance placed the building over capacity. Upon review, officials at the center later acknowledged a mistake was made by those at the center, and not on the part of the Colonial School District. All those who wish to voice complaints or concerns are advised to call Scott Selheimer at the Bob Carpenter Center at (302) 831-2186.
The Colonial School District apologizes to those who were denied access to the ceremony, even though every effort was made to accommodate families on this important day in the lives of our students.