A Battle to Bring Graduation Home

By Eliza Moore, Staff Writer

After three years of graduations at Kezar stadium in Golden Gate Park, the George Washington High School community is trying to bring the ceremony back home. 

The History 

For most of Washington's 88 year history, as proven by yearbook photos dating back to 1950, the graduation ceremony has been held on our picturesque home field. With bleachers brimming with celebrating loved ones and families, teachers and staff waving, and fellow students cheering, all of our community members could celebrate together in front of the iconic views of our Golden Gate Bridge. 

The Change

Like many other things, COVID changed all that, and in 2020 almost all San Francisco Unified schools were forced to hold their graduation at Kezar stadium. Holding the ceremony at the huge athletic stadium helped to solve the issue of social distancing between families, and gave students the chance to be in community during very tough times. But carrying this change forward into 2021 and 2022 rocked the boat among SFUSD families, some raising concerns that they weren’t near their home districts. They were told by the district that this was the most equitable way forward, as smaller schools could have free access to a large stadium with a sound system, chairs, and plenty of space for families. “Everyone will have the same experience,” the district said.

While it is true that the move to Kezar provided some schools with the space they had never experienced before, the concept of equality - the same experience for all - is something we have moved away from. Through the SFUSD Office of Equity, the district promotes equity over equality in 2024, so why can’t Wasington have its equitable needs met by returning home to the football field its community loves so much?

The Community Response

The Associated Student Body (ASB) at Washington is leading the effort to change the district’s policy on graduation sites. Persefone Nevee, Vice President of the student body, told me that they are going straight to the top. They are in contact with the city and are on their way to writing a proposal in an effort to influence the Mayor's decision. She feels that, “If the school has the resources to do it themselves, I don't see a reason why they shouldn’t be able to.”  

Other members of our community are also standing behind the effort for change. The president of the PTSA board, Tasia Nevee has made a commitment to support PTSA families to bring graduation home. She told me that, “Alumni and parents seem to be excited about and in favor of bringing the graduation back to Washington.”

The Fight for Return

The Washington community should stand behind attempts to change the board policy, utilize the resources to host a ceremony, rebuild our sense of community, and bring graduation back home. The district has an opportunity to make their community feel heard. “It would be a nice full circle moment,” said Annie Sablosky, a senior at Washington. As the schools continue to rebuild their communities post-covid, it's hard to disagree with this heartfelt sentiment.