Chan-Chaska graduations returning to Grace Church, plus offering non-religious alternative

Eastern Carver County Schools will host three high school graduation ceremonies this year: one each for Chaska High School and Chanhassen High School at Eden Prairie’s Grace Church, and an alternative graduation ceremony at the Chaska Event Center for those uncomfortable attending in a religious venue.

After holding their graduations at Grace Church for roughly 13 years, Eastern Carver County Schools had planned to switch to the Target Center this year.

The change was made last fall after feedback from families showed a preference for a non-religious location for graduations and the ability to have unlimited tickets at a larger venue like the Target Center, the district said.

However, the new plans hit a snag due to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ unexpected advancement in the Western Conference basketball championships this season. Target Center said it could no longer guarantee that the arena would be available on June 7, the graduation day for both high schools.

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As a result, the schools needed a new venue and decided to make a last-minute switch back to Grace Church. Although the Timberwolves were knocked out of contention and Target Center will not be hosting the NBA finals that night, the graduations will still be held at Grace Church.

However, the district also decided to add an additional graduation ceremony on June 6 at the Chaska Event Center for any families who may not be comfortable at Grace Church for graduation.

In a May 24 message to seniors and their families, Eastern Carver County Schools Superintendent Erin Rathke said district staff worked hard to find a new, non-religious venue, but no other large venues were able to accommodate them.

“We are fully committed to holding graduation in a secular space moving forward,” Rathke said. “Our administration is already planning for next year’s ceremony with that principle as the foundation of our search. We are also prioritizing a venue with fewer possibilities for potential disruption to future ceremonies.”

Rathke also expressed gratitude to the Grace Church community for pivoting to host with just two weeks’ notice. “They have been gracious and supportive, and I want to thank them for their collaboration over the next two weeks as we work to put on a successful event,” Rathke said.

Celine Haga, director of communications and community relations for Eastern Carver County Schools, said, “Use of the (Grace Church) facility in no way implies support of any particular set of beliefs. Grace has worked closely with us in the past to remove religious symbols from the auditorium and have taken additional measures this year to support those efforts. We appreciate their partnership in accommodating us at the last minute.”

Becky Mielke, director of marketing and communications for Grace Church, said, “We are happy to host the graduation ceremonies for Chaska and Chanhassen (high schools). It is short notice, but we will do our very best to serve our neighbors at the Eastern Carver County School District well, as we are always here to be a blessing to our community.”