Harlingen High School raises awareness on commencement behavior

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office is reminding students and parents of proper graduation conduct.

High school graduation is right around the corner and ceremonies will be taking place across the Valley.

School districts are reminding parents and students of how to behave at commencement ceremonies. 

Four years after COVID-19 there is a strong return to normalcy in this year’s high school graduation ceremonies. 

Harlingen High School's Principal, Efrain Amaya, is handing out flyers informing students on how to dress and decorate their caps.

“If they’re going to be decorating their caps we have four criteria," said Amaya. "Either school spirit is one of them, the college that they’re going to be attending, a profession, career that they’ll be going into and any military enlistment. Those things are four criteria to abide by.”

District Attorney Luis Saenz is reminding students to celebrate responsibly and warning parents about the risk of students getting arrested.

“Well a lot of times, you know, celebrations, especially once the parents leave and go home, may get out of hand," said Saenz. "But keep in mind that, you know, any destruction of private property is called Criminal Mischief. It can get you arrested and that’s going to ruin everything.”

Saenz is also warning students about drug use and reminding them they are not only risking jail time but putting their future on the line.