Bridgewater-Raritan High School Graduation Moves To Rutgers

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduation for the Class of 2024 will be moved to Rutgers University this year.

The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional Board of Education unanimously approved the decision at its meeting on Tuesday night.

The decision was made due to renovations at Basilone Field and the advocacy of the community to hold the ceremony in a larger venue than the high school's Vaughn Stapleton Gym.

"One of the projects that is happening, starting in April, is the renovation of the Basilone Field House along with the grandstand. That area will not be accessible for graduation and the bleachers will not be there by that point," said Superintendent Robert Beers at the meeting.

At the Community Relations meeting, members looked at alternative sites for graduation and ultimately settled on the Jersey Mike's Arena, commonly called the RAC(Rutgers Athletic Center) at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

This arena can hold 6,000 people for a graduation ceremony.

"It will easily fit our graduates plus 6 tickets, potentially more, depending on what the high school administration decides to do with that," said Beers.

Board Member A.J. Joshi felt this move could be something the district could continue for future graduations as well.

"I commend the administration for thinking outside the box and finding an alternate site," said Joshi. "I think if this works we are setting the stage work for future graduations."

The RAC does have covering to also allow for graduations not to be moved due to weather.

"A lot of schools that are our size go in this direction. It takes away the anxiety related to weather," said Beers.

Beers also noted the arena is climate-controlled and has ample handicap seating for grandparents and family members who may need it.

One caveat to the move to Rutgers is that tickets will be sold this year but the amount is expected to be minimal. At the meeting, Beers guessed maybe $5 per ticket.

However, the number of tickets allotted and price have not been settled yet.

"I am a little concerned about charging for tickets. I don't really like how that looks but I understand the reasoning behind it and I understand the benefits outweigh the cost. I just hope that people understand there is a charge," said Board Member Steven Singer.

Beers addressed the charge saying, "I can assure you there will be nobody whose parents can't come to graduation because they don't have the money."

High School graduation will be held on Wednesday, June 19, which is one day earlier than the original graduation date. The date change needed to be made since Rutgers will be the host for two other high school graduations on June 20.

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