Illinois High School Postpones Graduation Ceremony Following Threats

Illinois High School Postpones Graduation Ceremony Following Threats

Argo Community High School postponed its graduation ceremony hours before it was scheduled Tuesday after two people were arrested for making two separate threats against the school on social media, police and school officials said.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • May 23, 2019

Argo Community High School postponed its graduation ceremony after two people were arrested for making two separate threats against the school on social media, police and school officials said. The graduation was originally scheduled for Tuesday night.

The first threat against the school was made Sunday via the app Snapchat. The high school was placed on a soft lockdown Monday and a suspect was arrested around 5 a.m. Monday morning. Charges were pending, according to the Chicago Tribune.

A second person was arrested Tuesday after posting a separate threat on Snapchat. According to the school, police said the suspect has no connection to the school and charges are also pending.

Argo Community High School’s graduation was postponed just hours before it was scheduled to take place Tuesday.

“Due to the extenuating circumstances surrounding the past 48 hours, and because graduation is supposed to be a joyous and celebratory event, graduation has been cancelled for this evening and will be rescheduled,” Superintendent Jill Kingsfield said in a Facebook post. “We know many of you have family members who have travelled here to be with your family for this celebration and we apologize for the inconvenience.”

In a letter to parents, school officials said there was “no immediate threat to our school community.”  School began late Wednesday and students’ belongings were searched, according to the school.  In addition, Summit Police will be present on campus “throughout the week to provide assistance and additional security.”

Argo Community High School has not yet said when the graduation ceremony would be rescheduled.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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