DPS to offer modified graduation for families locked out of MacArthur graduation ceremony

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Decatur Public Schools will be offering a "Modified Graduation Experience Event" following outcry from parents and families who missed last weekend's graduation ceremony at MacArthur High School.

Earlier this week, MacArthur families told WAND News that they waited in line for over an hour, only to be locked out of the ceremony once making it to the front of the line.

"They ended up pushing us out of the corridor and locking the doors, and I lost it because they said, 'I'm sorry,'" said MacArthur parent Liz Alatorre. "That's it. 'I'm sorry.' All they kept telling us is 'we're sorry. We're sorry.'"

On Tuesday, Decatur Public Schools released a statement that said administrators "sincerely apologize for the inconvenience experienced by some families during MacArthur High School’s graduation ceremony."

The district has offered MacArthur families a second chance at seeing their grads walk across the stage on May 29. However, families must RSVP by 7 p.m. on Friday, May 23.

Parents can call the school office at 217-362-3153. If there is no answer, the district said to leave a message with the graduate’s name, parent/guardian name, and a contact phone number.

Students will be able to walk across the stage, take photos, and get a second chance to celebrate with family.