Baccalaureate, graduation ceremonies relocated
Robbinsville – With just nine days remaining before the first of two year-end events set to be held at Modeal Walsh Memorial Stadium for Robbinsville High School, the Graham County Board of Education received some unsettling news.
Briefly addressed at its May 2 meeting, the district’s board has been aware of structural issues underneath the home bleachers. First poured in 1981, the system’s maintenance crew has been performing what superintendent Angie Knight dubbed “patches” on the pillars that support the seating. Repairs are made from either a seated or kneeling position, as the bleachers are not far enough off the ground underneath to fully stand up.
Following an inspection from the Asheville-based Kloesel Engineering Firm, Knight informed The Graham Star around 3 p.m. Monday that the stadium – “particularly the home-side bleachers” – had been decreed as unsafe for any use, which has forced the district to pivot its plans for May 24’s baccalaureate ceremony and May 26’s graduation commencement, both of which were to be held at the stadium.
“Graham County Schools is working immediately and diligently with the Graham County Board of Commissioners to determine necessary next steps to remediate the issue,” Knight said. “Once we have received a final report from the structural engineer, we will share additional information, and keep the public informed and involved in the process.”
Aside from the massive crowds drawn for home football games each fall, the facility has been implemented as the home for the baccalaureate and graduation events since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Robbinsville High School Class of 2020 were the first to graduate on Bob Colvin Field in July of that year and with its ability to house more spectators overall, the school has opted to hold subsequent commencements and baccalaureate ceremonies in the stadium.
Now, the baccalaureate will return to its prior home (Robbinsville First Baptist Church) – as will the graduation exercise (the Robbinsville High School Gymnasium). Both will still take place at 8 p.m. May 24 and 26, respectively.
The ceremonies will be livestreamed on The Graham Star’s Facebook page.