Why is our graduation at Eagle Bank???!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guarantee that Madison’s (and Marshall, Langley and McLean) graduation will be at DAR next year.

I suspect someone is getting a kickback or at least wined and dined to ensure this happens.

I am certain, but why? No one freaking cares about DAR. It causes unnecessary pains for people to schlep into DC during rush hour. Only to get literally locked out, because traffic made a 20 minute (for which 1.5 hours was allowed) drive literally two hours. Not to mention parking and other logistical factors. There is no reason for DAR to be the "preferred" venue - in fact, it is not "preferred", at all. Who are these people that think graduates need to be at DAR?? Are the people who decide 110 years old and afraid of change?? The change would be most welcome.

This is akin to attending a home team championship parade, only to see more "you scratch my back I'll scratch yours" (often with six of their favorite grandchildren) nobodies in the parade vehicles than actual players. The DC venue dilutes major events, instead of enhancing the experience, it seems.

JLL was a far better experience, hands down. Ask anyone who has had both graduation experiences.

While the DAR is a nice venue, you have to pay for parking ($25) and then wait outside until they let you in. It’s hot. It’s packed. It’s a challenge to find your child when it’s all over because there is not a lot of space to hang out. The nearby buildings don’t want you on their lawn or taking pictures.

If you think it's hot waiting outside to be let in, how hot do you think it would be on a football field for 2+ hours? Or at JLL, which is also outside? It is chaotic afterwards, but we had no problem taking pictures on the lawns of the nearby buildings. You seem to be incredibly over-dramatic about this.

I’m the PP you are responding to. I would prefer Eagle Bank or someplace like that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guarantee that Madison’s (and Marshall, Langley and McLean) graduation will be at DAR next year.

I suspect someone is getting a kickback or at least wined and dined to ensure this happens.

I am certain, but why? No one freaking cares about DAR. It causes unnecessary pains for people to schlep into DC during rush hour. Only to get literally locked out, because traffic made a 20 minute (for which 1.5 hours was allowed) drive literally two hours. Not to mention parking and other logistical factors. There is no reason for DAR to be the "preferred" venue - in fact, it is not "preferred", at all. Who are these people that think graduates need to be at DAR?? Are the people who decide 110 years old and afraid of change?? The change would be most welcome.

This is akin to attending a home team championship parade, only to see more "you scratch my back I'll scratch yours" (often with six of their favorite grandchildren) nobodies in the parade vehicles than actual players. The DC venue dilutes major events, instead of enhancing the experience, it seems.

JLL was a far better experience, hands down. Ask anyone who has had both graduation experiences.

While the DAR is a nice venue, you have to pay for parking ($25) and then wait outside until they let you in. It’s hot. It’s packed. It’s a challenge to find your child when it’s all over because there is not a lot of space to hang out. The nearby buildings don’t want you on their lawn or taking pictures.

If you think it's hot waiting outside to be let in, how hot do you think it would be on a football field for 2+ hours? Or at JLL, which is also outside? It is chaotic afterwards, but we had no problem taking pictures on the lawns of the nearby buildings. You seem to be incredibly over-dramatic about this.

I’m the PP you are responding to. I would prefer Eagle Bank or someplace like that!

+2

JLL had LOTS of shade options, and TONS of space! Neither were a factor, thankfully. Plus, no one locked the parents out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Marshall graduation at DAR Constitution Hall:

Beautiful. Funny, this picture makes it look smaller than it is. It's actually very spacious.

Why is it "beautiful"? Because the lights are on? It looks jam packed, and not very comfortable. Never mind having to leave one's house at 7 AM to stand any chance in line. Yikes.

[Anonymous]

I’m one of the PPs whose kids graduated at the DAR (I’m the one with elderly parents). We tried to plan as best we could, but it was still a challenge. I called to find out how many steps my parents would have to navigate and figure out the logistics, but I was still worried about my parents getting run over by the rush of people waiting to get in. We also had no idea where the kids would exit and where we should meet them. Everybody was congregated in the front right after, so it was extremely crowded — this is the biggest concern I have with my parents (getting knocked over). Plus the kids don’t have their cell phones, so we had to wade through the crowd to find our child. We were lucky to find a ledge for my parents to sit on while we waited my my DH to get the car, but the experience overall was really tough on them. As far as driving goes, I guess we could have Ubered, but again, you are dealing with busses and tons of traffic. All of this is why we did not invite my parents to attend this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m one of the PPs whose kids graduated at the DAR (I’m the one with elderly parents). We tried to plan as best we could, but it was still a challenge. I called to find out how many steps my parents would have to navigate and figure out the logistics, but I was still worried about my parents getting run over by the rush of people waiting to get in. We also had no idea where the kids would exit and where we should meet them. Everybody was congregated in the front right after, so it was extremely crowded — this is the biggest concern I have with my parents (getting knocked over). Plus the kids don’t have their cell phones, so we had to wade through the crowd to find our child. We were lucky to find a ledge for my parents to sit on while we waited my my DH to get the car, but the experience overall was really tough on them. As far as driving goes, I guess we could have Ubered, but again, you are dealing with busses and tons of traffic. All of this is why we did not invite my parents to attend this year.

I don't think it's unusual for older grandparents to attend the graduation ceremonies of older grandchildren and end up not attending those of younger grandchildren, especially if there are streaming options to watch from home - whether it's held at DAR, Eagle Bank, or somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Marshall graduation at DAR Constitution Hall:

Beautiful. Funny, this picture makes it look smaller than it is. It's actually very spacious.

Why is it "beautiful"? Because the lights are on? It looks jam packed, and not very comfortable. Never mind having to leave one's house at 7 AM to stand any chance in line. Yikes.

Look, you're entitled to your opinion, as am I. I think DAR is beautiful and I'm happy to have my kids graduate there. You are very unhappy - so go do something about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m one of the PPs whose kids graduated at the DAR (I’m the one with elderly parents). We tried to plan as best we could, but it was still a challenge. I called to find out how many steps my parents would have to navigate and figure out the logistics, but I was still worried about my parents getting run over by the rush of people waiting to get in. We also had no idea where the kids would exit and where we should meet them. Everybody was congregated in the front right after, so it was extremely crowded — this is the biggest concern I have with my parents (getting knocked over). Plus the kids don’t have their cell phones, so we had to wade through the crowd to find our child. We were lucky to find a ledge for my parents to sit on while we waited my my DH to get the car, but the experience overall was really tough on them. As far as driving goes, I guess we could have Ubered, but again, you are dealing with busses and tons of traffic. All of this is why we did not invite my parents to attend this year.

I don't think it's unusual for older grandparents to attend the graduation ceremonies of older grandchildren and end up not attending those of younger grandchildren, especially if there are streaming options to watch from home - whether it's held at DAR, Eagle Bank, or somewhere else.

+1

[Anonymous]

It's been held there for some years now, no? Why didn't you complain five years ago?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's been held there for some years now, no? Why didn't you complain five years ago?

+1
It's been held there for decades - since at least the 1980s if not before then. I've always thought how wonderful it is that we have access to this gorgeous and historic building. Our relatives across the country can't believe our kids get to graduate there.

[Anonymous]

Hey PPs who prefer the proximity and free parking at GMU ....good news!!!

There are 35 high school listed in the FCPS profiles page. Of tjose, 10 are irregular school: Key Center, Bryant, Pulley, Mountain View, etc. So that leave 25 traditional high schools.

And coincidentally, a few weeks ago, the school board approved a contract with GMU to host up to 25 graduations! (Five year contract).

In 2022, sixteen FCPS high schools graduated at GMU. In 2023, eighteen high schools used GMU.

So, I've done some of the leg work for you. It IS feasible to switch to GMU next year. The only thing needed is the will to make it happen.

[Anonymous]

https://www.gazetteleader.com/fairfax/news/fcps-inks-five-year-deal-for-graduation-venue-6998493

[Anonymous]

The high schools not using GMU are:

Annandale
Fairfax
West Potomac

And the four DAR schools (McLean, Langley, Madison, and Marshall)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's been held there for some years now, no? Why didn't you complain five years ago?

+1
It's been held there for decades - since at least the 1980s if not before then. I've always thought how wonderful it is that we have access to this gorgeous and historic building. Our relatives across the country can't believe our kids get to graduate there.

Again, can someone chime in regarding what might be gorgeous about the venue??

And what if one is not that easily impressed??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's been held there for some years now, no? Why didn't you complain five years ago?

+1
It's been held there for decades - since at least the 1980s if not before then. I've always thought how wonderful it is that we have access to this gorgeous and historic building. Our relatives across the country can't believe our kids get to graduate there.

Again, can someone chime in regarding what might be gorgeous about the venue??

And what if one is not that easily impressed??

I 100% support and have advocated for our HS to move from DAR to GMU. It is more practical (at GMU). I've watched graduations there on line, and it is mostly black in the background, dim lighting, and sort of a cavernous feel. My DD graduated at DAR last year (even though I was totally against having it there). I have to admit that it is well lit, somewhat colorful, and the space was completely filled (which is both a plus and a minus).

I agree that it was a lovely space, even though I had been unhappy about the decision to hold the graduation there.

That said, if someone hands me a survey tomorrow, I'm voting to move to GMU for my next graduation. Even if DAR is "pretty" -- it doesn't make any sense to me to go there when we have a perfectly acceptable option much closer and much easier to get into and out of. No one should have to pay for parking to go to their son or daughter's high school graduation. And no one needs the stress of wondering how much time they need to bake in to go on I-66 during morning rush. Or how much they have to pay for the toll lanes. High school graduations for public schools should be held in places that are easily accessible to everyone. GMU wins in that competition. Beauty of the facility is not my top priority.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's been held there for some years now, no? Why didn't you complain five years ago?

+1
It's been held there for decades - since at least the 1980s if not before then. I've always thought how wonderful it is that we have access to this gorgeous and historic building. Our relatives across the country can't believe our kids get to graduate there.

Again, can someone chime in regarding what might be gorgeous about the venue??

And what if one is not that easily impressed??

I 100% support and have advocated for our HS to move from DAR to GMU. It is more practical (at GMU). I've watched graduations there on line, and it is mostly black in the background, dim lighting, and sort of a cavernous feel. My DD graduated at DAR last year (even though I was totally against having it there). I have to admit that it is well lit, somewhat colorful, and the space was completely filled (which is both a plus and a minus).

I agree that it was a lovely space, even though I had been unhappy about the decision to hold the graduation there.

That said, if someone hands me a survey tomorrow, I'm voting to move to GMU for my next graduation. Even if DAR is "pretty" -- it doesn't make any sense to me to go there when we have a perfectly acceptable option much closer and much easier to get into and out of. No one should have to pay for parking to go to their son or daughter's high school graduation. And no one needs the stress of wondering how much time they need to bake in to go on I-66 during morning rush. Or how much they have to pay for the toll lanes. High school graduations for public schools should be held in places that are easily accessible to everyone. GMU wins in that competition. Beauty of the facility is not my top priority.

+1

Well said.