Senior graduation site moved

Graduation will take place at the Jericho City of Praise Church in Landover, Maryland and not the Prince George's Equestrian Center.

The change was made when the Equestrian Center, which has held Blair's graduation for the past five years, failed to reserve June 2 for Blair.

According to Assistant Principal Linda Wanner, the Church appears ideal. "The sound system is top of the line, there is wonderful seating in the back for teachers, and it is available," she said.

Since the Jericho facility can hold 10,000 guests, graduation tickets will not be needed this year. Parking problems, which have plagued the Equestrian Center, will also be alleviated.

Although the 2004 graduation had been scheduled for the Equestrian Center, Wanner indicated that Jericho might become a future graduation site for Blair.

The new graduation site sparked debate about separation of church and state. However, there are no religious symbols displayed in the church.

Jericho church officials told Senior Class Sponsor Norman Stant that Blair could have the building for free; the Equestrian Center charged Blair $3,000. Blair plans to make a sizeable donation to the Church.