WHAT A DRIVE TO YOUR OWN GRADUATION!

The Winter Haven News Chief notes this morning that seniors who will graduate from Haines City High School will be getting their diplomas during a ceremony to be held for the third straight year nearly 20 miles away, at Winter Haven's Chain Of Lakes Stadium.

The commencement had previously been held at the school's Joe Stangry Stadium, but was moved due to lack of seating and parking issues as well as a substandard sound system. The football stadium seats nearly 3,000, but Chain Of Lakes Stadium, which is the Cleveland Indians' spring training home, can hold nearly over 8,000...and it was nearly filled to capacity last year!

Principal Dr. Duane Collins was quoted as saying that if the decision were up to him, he would prefer the ceremony to take place at The Lakeland Center, which hosts commencements of Lakeland's five area high schools. Problem is, doing that would add an additional 15 miles to the drive for those making the trip from Haines City!