Telepeer

Kennedy High graduation canceled by Garden Grove hazmat concerns will be rescheduled

May 23, 2026

Kennedy High School’s afternoon graduation was canceled “out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of the safety and well-being of our students, families, staff, and community,” an Anaheim Union High School District announcement said Friday as a hazmat situation in nearby Garden Grove was unfolding.

The district had been holding graduations all week at Western High’s Handel Stadium at Western Avenue and Orange Street, just north of Ball Road, including a Friday morning ceremony for Savanna High.

But the Kennedy commencement was canceled shortly before it was set to start as a team of responders on Friday worked to avert a possible explosion of a malfunctioning tank containing a flammable, volatile chemical used in plastics and manufacturing at an aerospace plant in Garden Grove. Thousands of West Garden Grove residents had been evacuated from their homes.

“We understand how deeply disappointing and emotional this news is for our graduating seniors and their loved ones,” a district statement said. “Graduation is an important milestone, and we are fully committed to ensuring our students and families have the opportunity to celebrate this achievement together.

“Kennedy High School’s graduation ceremony will be rescheduled,” the statement said, though details on a new ceremony were not yet available. Kennedy’s was the last graduation to be held.

District officials said that though the stadium is not in the evacuation area for the hazmat incident, “emergency officials have advised surrounding agencies to exercise caution as crews continue monitoring and responding to the situation.”

Orange County Register

News Details

Kennedy High graduation canceled by Garden Grove hazmat concerns will be rescheduled

News