Graduates of East Side High School pose during the Paterson Public Schools graduation at Hinchliffe Stadium, Jun 23, 2025, Paterson, NJ, USA. Yannick Peterhans/NorthJersey.com
Syndication: The Record
(Paterson, NJ) –Parents, teacher and students are demanding to know who signed off on the outdoor high school graduations that took place in a stadium in Paterson, New Jersey on Monday. EMTs treated more than 150 people for heat related illnesses, as temps hit close to 100 degrees. Paterson Fire officials say 16 people were sent to the hospital for more serious levels of heat exhaustion. Ceremonies were set to be held held for five local schools, but they were shortened or called off after so many attendees fell ill.
Parents say they asked the school system to hold the ceremonies inside a building with air conditioning, or later in the week when the conditions outdoors are expected to be more tolerable.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh declared s State of Emergency for the City due to the ongoing heat wave. The declaration called off all outdoor activities until the heat wave ends.
