High school graduation event postponed

To celebrate four years at La Quinta High School, there was a lot planned after students walked across the stage on Thursday, May 31st.

“We were supposed to stand in line and wait for the fireworks to happen, which was pretty cool. Then, we were supposed to get 10, 15 minutes to talk to our families and loved ones, then go change, and go to the bus. But, then she told us,” La Quinta High School graduate Alvaro Mendoza said.

“Only five buses came from the 11 that were ordered,” La Quinta High School Principal Donna Salazar said.

Only 250 of the 700 students would fit because of the bus shortage.

“They just spentfour years bonding, and two hours at a ceremony talking about how much they love each other, and there’s no way to pick half of them to go on this trip,” Salazar said.

So their graduation trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain Grad Night was canceled.

“It was not the bus company, they did not make a mistake. The mistake was made at the district office, who books our transportation,” Salazar said.

The district books buses a year in advance. Someone called Cardiff Limousine and Transportation last June, asking for 11 buses. Cardiff called back and said only five were available for that date.

No one ever followed up on the issue.

Cardiff saidit brought the five busesit was supposed to.

In light of the events, the students truly proved their young adulthood.

“You had more time to say bye, It worked out pretty well,” La Quinta High School graduate Fernando Fregoso said.

“Were still going next week, so it’s not a big deal,” Mendoza said.

The school will go to Magic Mountain Thursday, June 7th.

“Positive thing, we’re going with Palm Desert (High School) and I have some friends at Palm Desert. But negative thing, Indio we had a lot more friends, a lot more people that we knew. And, we already had set up we’re going to meet here, do this, do that,” Mendoza said.

Even though the students have graduated, school authorities aren’t worried about any behavior problems.

“Even on a regular night, they’re graduates. We get on the bus and take off. They’ve already graduated from high school. Our students are so good and so well-behaved,” Salazar said.

Salazar said if any students cannot attend next Thursday’s trip, the school will refund them their $99.

“This class has shown so much character in accepting this with wonderful grace. They’ve risen in my esteem. I already thought they were a great class, but they proved it last night,” Salazar said.