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Rescheduled graduation day jeopardizes family plans

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Getting a high school diploma with family and friends watching is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone.

"I'm very excited," Akera Carey told Channel 9. "I've definitely been planning and waiting for it."

But for the Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology senior, excitement over the day she's been so looking forward to took a turn when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced it was moving mid-year graduation from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8.

District officials said it was rescheduled due to the changed exam schedules as a result of weather-related school closings.

"I have family coming in from out of the country, like, Jamaica," Carey said. "Family that has been there since I was in kindergarten, since I was born, that might not be able to come because it's such short notice."

Two who may not be able to make it are her father, who lives in Pennsylvania, and her mother who had to ask months ago to get off work for the original graduation date.

"It hurts,” Carey said. “It makes me really upset."

Carey is not alone.

CMS officials said 900 students are set to receive their mid-year diploma.

Carey said her family still has yet to get a call, email or text from the district alerting her of the change.

Click here for information on make-up days.

CMS sent us Channel 9 statement about the change:

"CMS wishes to congratulate all of its mid-year graduates on their academic accomplishments. 

"As our mid-year graduates are aware, the CMS mid-year graduation exercises have been moved to Feb. 8, 2018, as a result of the winter snow storm which led to the closing of CMS schools on Jan. 17, 18 and 19. 

"Due to three days of school closings, exam schedules were also shifted. In an effort to allow adequate time for careful calculation and evaluation of graduate's final grades, it was necessary to move the CMS graduation date to ensure this process is not compromised. 

"CMS recognizes some family plans will change due to unseen and extreme weather conditions, however, the district is committed to providing accurate and final grading processes and procedure. CMS expects to award diplomas to approximately 900 graduates during the mid-year ceremonies, the district wants to ensure that every graduate and their family is assured that each student has met all state and district guidelines and mandates to share in this important graduation experience."