Going into senior year, students expected to invite anyone and everyone who wanted to attend their graduation; however, according to a recent decision by the Tracy Unified School District students will only be allowed six tickets per graduate for the ceremony.

            “Last year there was over 4,000 people at graduation,” Assistant Principal Rashmi Ahuja said. “The fire marshal came up to us and said you have to get this under control.”

            This year was the perfect time to enforce the capacity of people allowed in the stadium. The Class of 2012 is one of the biggest graduating classes in Tracy.

            “Our stadium can only hold 3,754 people in the stadium, and that number does not factor in the other 500 people on the field. The 50 staff members, 30 band members, graduating seniors, and added security are not included in its capacity, “Assistant Principal, Joni McGinnis said.

            McGinnis and West High Assistant Principal Troy Brown decided on the graduation tickets because they believe this is the best way to keep their graduation as safe as possible. Private high schools like St. Mary’s and a few other high schools in the San Joaquin area such as Lodi High School, Elk Grove High School, and Merced High have already started using tickets for entry into graduation as well.

            “This is my tenth graduation. Being so Tracy High graduation has always had a high level of caliber and production because we run a very classy, distinguished graduation. The tickets is the district’s way of keeping the graduation fun, but taking a step in the right direction for crowd control and safety,” McGinnis said.

             Seniors like Muhammad Khalid started a petition feeling the ticket idea is unfair. He claims that the faculty is not thinking of the larger families who need more than six tickets.

            “I don’t think it’s right that I have been in high school for four years and I don’t get to invite the most important people to watch me graduate,” Khalid said.

            Khalid and West High senior Leilani Camarillo have been organizing an appeal against the graduation tickets.

            “I plan to have eight or nine people at my graduation,” Khalid said. Camarillo and Khalid’s petition will be active until their voice is heard by the Board of Trustees.

            Still some students agree with administration and think the limited seating will not affect the outcome of 2012’s graduation.

            “It doesn’t affect me, I only have six people coming to graduation,” senior Ashley McLaughlin said.

            Other students believe graduation tickets are unfair.

            “Graduation should not be a restriction. We have been students here for four years, we should be able to invite who we want,” senior Vanya Gundu said.

            At graduation practice, students will receive an envelope with six tickets. Four tickets will be in one color and two tickets will be in another color in case it rains. All tickets can be used if the graduation is outside. However, if the graduation moves inside only two tickets can be used.

            “We are giving the students tickets to allow the students to choose who they want at graduation. When we took the total capacity and divided it by the total number of graduating students we came up with six each. By giving the tickets to students, we wouldn’t have the problem of divorced parents only sharing the tickets with one side of the family.”

            Judging by the feedback, students and staff in the Tracy Unified School District can expect to feel safe else this year at graduation.

            The gates will open at 7 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 8 a.m.

            “Just like the airport, if you forget your ticket you can’t get in,” McGinnis warned.