District 38 graduations move to New Life from academy

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 is changing the location of its high school graduations because of heightened security measures at the Air Force Academy.

Instead of the academy’s Clune Arena, Lewis-Palmer and Palmer Ridge high schools will hold their ceremonies May 17 at New Life Church.

Since the killing of Osama bin Laden, the academy has increased its safety precautions to include extensive and lengthy procedures for those entering the grounds.

“The Air Force Academy had been working with the district in every way possible to accommodate these events,” said Robin Adair, D-38 spokesperson.  But district officials feared security concerns could change graduation ceremonies at the last minute.

New Life Church,  11025 Voyager Parkway, has ample indoor space and parking for the 500 graduates and 5,000 family and friends expected to attend. Lewis-Palmer’s graduation is at 3:30 p.m. and Palmer Ridge is at 7 p.m.

“This solution allows our graduates and their families to plan ahead without the chance of a last-minute change of venue,” Adair said.

Academy School District 20 has five graduations scheduled at the academy. It does not intend to change the venue, said Nanette Anderson, D-20 spokeswoman. “We won’t change unless we are told to do so by the Air Force.”

Pine Creek, Air Academy and Discovery Canyon high schools graduate May 19. Liberty and Rampart high schools graduate May 20.