Vandalism Won’t Derail Graduation

Just as crews removed the last of the graffiti sprayed on campus sidewalks over the weekend, Oxnard High School seniors greeted with a sigh of relief the news that their graduation would take place on schedule after all.

“The ceremony tomorrow is up to you,” Principal Daisy Tatum told the more than 360 graduating seniors just before a rehearsal Wednesday afternoon. “If you behave, and we can run through the practice ceremony, the graduation will be tomorrow.”

Did the seniors behave?

“They were excellent,” Tatum said.

Earlier this week, many believed the fate of the Class of 1996 graduation ceremony was uncertain.

After weekend vandals climbed over the school fences and spray-painted several of sidewalks and building exteriors, Tatum canceled a senior barbecue and senior breakfast. She even suggested graduation itself could be canceled.

But some students said they didn’t believe her.

“She was just trying to set a standard,” said senior James McGarry. “She was hoping someone would come forward.”

Tatum said she expected one of the alleged vandals to show up at her office late Wednesday, accompanied by parents who decided to turn him in.

Students said this kind of prank was routine and happens at many schools.

“They are just making a big deal because it is a new school,” McGarry said.

And students were not the only ones to be relieved the graduation was going ahead as planned.

“You never want to stop something that is so important to a child,” Tatum said. “It’s a milestone for a lot of people.”

The Class of 1996 includes many students who are the first in their families to graduate from high school or go to college, she said.

The Oxnard High School graduation will take place today at 2 p.m.