Del Oro High School Planning For Heat To Avoid Repeat Of Last Year's Graduation

LOOMIS (CBS13) — With a hot weekend on tap, local high schools are taking precautions with outdoor graduation ceremonies a year after a dozen people passed out in Loomis.

As Rodney Rhinehart finishes his last shift at Taylor's as a high-school student, Del Oro High officials are making sure not to repeat last year's graduation.

The heat was so intense, so early in the day, a dozen people fainted at the graduation, sending several to the hospital, and prompting the fire chief to take the mic and stop the ceremony. Students would toss their caps in the air anyway, and they would have another ceremony.

Del Oro High Assistant Principal Bridget Farren says with temperatures forecast in the triple-digits, they aren't taking any chances.

The school will provide six water stations compared to just one last year. They will also have several pop-up tents with emergency crews and cooling stations. The air-conditioned gym will also be open, with the graduation playing on a big screen for anyone who needs to cool off.