Two outdoor graduation ceremonies in Paterson, New Jersey, held during a dangerous heat wave ended with more than 100 people being treated and some being taken to the hospital, authorities said.
The Paterson Fire Division said it treated about 50 people at Hinchliffe Stadium on Monday during the first high school graduation ceremony. Nine people were taken to the hospital, it said in a statement.
During a second ceremony later in the day, about 100 people ended up needing treatment, and seven were taken to the hospital, the fire department said.
Temperatures climbed into the upper 90s on Monday, and the heat index hit 107 degrees, according to The Weather Channel.
In anticipation of the heat, Paterson Public Schools said it had on-site EMTs, cooling stations, cold bottled water and ice and wet paper towels available.
"Despite these efforts, the high temperatures led to discomfort and some attendees required medical attention," the district said in a statement Tuesday. "Emergency responders were immediately available and provided care."
Superintendent Laurie Newell said she regrets that some people became ill.
Students from several high schools were scheduled to walk the stage at ceremonies at the stadium, but because of the weather, some of the ceremonies were canceled.
Ciarra Bailey, a student at Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts, told News 12 New Jersey that administrators were giving students water, "but it wasn’t enough."
"It was exhausting. I couldn’t breathe," Bailey said.
Paterson Public Schools said in a statement that the canceled graduation ceremonies will be held Thursday. Students from P-TECH High School, Rosa L. Parks, STARS/T.I.E.S. Academy and STEAM High School will graduate at John F. Kennedy High School.
Eastside High School will host its ceremony for its senior class Thursday.
"We are looking forward to Thursday’s ceremony and couldn’t be prouder of our graduates," Newell said. "After Monday’s ceremony was cut short due to the weather, it is important to us that every graduate has the opportunity to walk across the stage."
Mayor André Sayegh declared a state of emergency Monday evening and canceled all recreational activities because of the high heat. Public libraries were opened as cooling centers.
Scorching temperatures are affecting much of the eastern half of the United States, with nearly 150 million people under heat alerts from Maine to eastern Texas.
