Security Concern Pauses Graduation Ceremony In Lake Elsinore

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — An unnamed security concern prompted the Lake Elsinore Unified School District to reschedule Wednesday night's joint commencement ceremony for Valley Adult School, Ortega High School, and Keith McCarthy Academy.

An official statement from the district said education officials "are actively working" with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The ceremony will now take place June 13, according to Ortega High School's Facebook page. Details about the new date and location were not immediately available but Wednesday's joint ceremony was scheduled for 7 p.m. at Lakeside High School.

With smaller graduation classes, the three schools have traditionally held a joint commencement ceremony. Ortega High is a continuation school, Valley is an adult high school, and Keith McCarthy is an alternative school.

"The safety of everyone who is planning to attend the ceremony and the wider LEUSD community is at the heart of this difficult decision," according to the district statement that was released Wednesday afternoon.

"Safety is our number one priority," the statement continued. "We will heighten our school security throughout this situation. It is important we remind all students that if they see something to say something. Reports can be made anonymously by calling 951-955-2400."

Commencement ceremonies scheduled Thursday evening at Temescal Canyon High School, Lakeside High School, and Elsinore High School are planned to continue as scheduled, according to the district.