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The Austin Rhodes Show

The Austin Rhodes Show

The Austin Rhodes Show

Evans High School Graduation Relocation – Austin’s Daily Commentary

Author Austin Rhodes

Austin talks about the Evans High School graduation having to be relocated due to weather.

Transcript:

Austin: Friday night was supposed to be a night to remember for over 400 graduates from Evans High School. Unfortunately, very severe thunderstorms rolled through the area and the graduation that was supposed to take place at the Lady A outdoor pavilion did not. They had to move it inside to the very small, very much smaller, Columbia County Performing Arts Center.

Now, folks, ordinarily, if you’ve got a crowd that fits in that, facility, a venue, it would be awesome. Air conditioning. Very nice seats, beautiful views, bathrooms, the whole nine yards. But that’s not the case when you’ve got, again, over 400 graduates.

The schools in Columbia County, you’re not going to be getting any smaller. They’re not building any more schools. They’re going to be adding students. They’re only going to be getting bigger, which means that this problem is never going to go away.

I think the time has come, to make the decision to permanently move graduations to the Civic Center, the James Brown Arena in Augusta. Unfortunately, the next two years not going to be able to do that because the arena is undergoing a rebuild. So for the next two years, Columbia County is going to have this issue.

What to do in the event of a thunderstorm on graduation day? And oh, by the way, not a lot of fans of outdoor graduations at Lady A’s simply because of the heat and the humidity. I would suggest one of two solutions.

Number one, either having the graduations early in the afternoon or evening early in the morning, or perhaps, after 7:00. So you avoid most of the direct sunlight anyway. I understand that’s probably going to create some, challenging schedule issues, but the bottom line something has to be done to improve the comfort of those attending in the daytime outside and the availability of an indoor facility if the rains do come.

Again, in the next couple of years, no James Brown Arena because of the rebuild. Columbia County needs to batten down the hatches. Rain outs can happen at any time. God bless the graduates. Sorry that it had to happen the way that it did. And that’s the comment, I’m Austin Rhodes, 95.1 FM News Talk WGAC.

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15 Unique Gift Ideas For High School Grads

If there’s something here you decide you just have to have, we’ve provided links to the product websites. If you click on the link and make a purchase, Beasley Media Group may earn a commission. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at [email protected].

 

The transition from high school to college or into the workforce can be an exciting time for graduates and those who love and support them. It is time for a real celebration of all a student has achieved and a look forward to adventures yet to come.  

Finding the perfect gift for a high school graduate can sometimes be a bit daunting. Should you go with something a bit more practical or find that special item with lots of flair?  

We went on the hunt for unique high school graduation gift ideas that the student in your life will love and have others asking, “where did you get that?” From a coordinates necklace to a Roald Dahl Literary Mug, these 15 Must Haves celebrate all the wonders that await high school graduates.

  • “Note To Self” Canvas Wall Hanging

    Looking for a way to remind your student how special they are to you and the world?  This canvas wall art will help provide the motivation for anyone entering a new phase of their life.  It’s available in four sizes, 12”x18” all the way to 40”x60”.

    Get It Now From IKONICK
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  • Coordinates Bar Necklace

    They’ll never forget where home is with this stunning necklace.  It’s simple to create thanks to the team at Made By Mary.  Provide the coordinates of your home or special place and they will stamp it onto their classic bar necklace.  It comes in your choice of gold-filled, rose gold-filled, or sterling silver.

    Get It Now From Made By Mary
    Shop This

  • 4 Pocket Fabric Over Door Hanging Closet Storage Organizer

    Talk about a simple and stylish way to help organize a college dorm room!  If there’s one thing we know about college dorm life, things get messy quickly.  Having organizers like this from mDesign is critical.  The 4 compartments are good for everything from clothing to toiletries and even books.

    Get It Now From mDesign
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  • Varsity Luxury Travel Set

    We are loving this new twist on the old school grad gift of luggage. This varsity bag set from Tote&Carry is a standout with the wool logo that gives each bag a pop of texture. The backpack is water-resistant and the spacious duffle features 6 open-top compartments and one zipper pocket.  Even better, get the set in 8 color combo.

    Get It Now From Tote & Carry
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  • Bulletboard Memo Board

    We really like the industrial look of Umbra’s new take on the classic corkboard.  It has a perforated metal surface that cleverly accommodates both pushpins and magnets.  There are two color options, black or nickel and it measures 21”x15″.

    Get It Now From Umbra
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  • College Themed Tumbler

    If your grad is heading off to college, a Tervis tumbler or other drinkware is a fun and practical way to help them show their new school pride. With a wide variety of tumblers and designs available for over 250 schools, this really is a Must Have gift idea.

    See More Here On Tervis.com
    Shop This

  • Moona Storage Box

    We really like the modern circular design of this storage box. It works for jewelry or any small items a new graduate may want to keep organized. The drawers rotate 360 degrees so they’re easy to access.  It’s small enough not to take up too much space and large enough that the top surface can serve as a stand for a plant or light.

    Get It Now From Umbra
    Shop This

  • Foldable Lap/Bed Desk

    If we’re honest, there will be a lot of time spent studying in bed and a “lap” desk could be a huge win. This one from Hometech comes with a built-in tablet stand, cup holder, and 4 USB ports. It’s just about 24 inches wide so it will give your grad lots of room for a computer.

    Get It Now From Amazon
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  • First Aid Kit

    For grads that are heading to college or moving out on their own, a first aid kit is a gift that keeps giving.  It gives them access to all the basic quick first aid items and you, peace of mind. This 107 piece kit from ACE includes first aid essentials you might need in an emergency including bandages, cold packs to eyewash.

    Get It Now From Ace Hardware
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  • 2-Drawer Rolling Fridge Cart

    If you’ve ever lived in a dorm, you see the huge value in this gift idea! Put your portable fridge on the top shelf and store your snacks, plates, utensils, and napkins in the drawers. It can help keep any dorm room a bit neater and most importantly optimizes the little space you’re sure to have. 

    Get It Now From mDesign
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  • Friends Central Perk 62" x 90" Blanket

    It can be tough heading off to school and away from family and friends. A super-soft fleece blanket to snuggle up with could help make the transition a bit easier. This 62″ x 90″ blanket is perfect for the grad who loves FRIENDS! The team at FUN.com has 300+ blankets and throws available with designs featuring TV shows to Superheroes.

    Get It Now From Fun.com
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  • Dream Believe Achieve Magnet Board

    This magnet board combines style, function, and encouragement that all recent grads need. They’ll love to use it to hang notes, pictures, and more. The message is printed on canvas covering a magnetic surface. Available in two sizes, 16”x16” or 24”x24”, the board can stand on its own or hang on a wall. 

    Get It Now From Belle and June
    Shop This

  • Roald Dahl Literary Mug

    Give your grad a reminder of their favorite childhood stories with Roald Dahl coffee mug. They love reading quotes from some of his iconic books including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox, James and the Giant Peach, and Matilda.

    Get It Now From Unemployed Philosopher's Guild
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  • The Journey Leather Journal

    We love the idea of gifting a special journal to graduates. There will be new experiences and adventures as they move to this new phase of their life. Journaling will help them capture the moments and reflect on all they’ve done and learned. This handcrafted buffalo leather journal Buffalo leather is filled with blank, cream-colored, handmade paper. It measures approximately 8.75H x 7W x 1.25 thick inches and includes 96 pages.

    Get It Now From Ten Thousand Villages
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  • Bedside Pocket Organizer

    We all know how easy it is to “lose” your phone, glasses, or remote control while reading in bed. This canvas bedside organizer can help your grad keep those important items within reach of their bed. With four interior roomy pockets, it hangs on the bed frame via a sturdy steel wireframe.

    Get It Now From mDesign
    Shop This

 

Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create?  Drop us a line at [email protected]. 

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