CCPS Superintendent to talk with seniors concerning graduation location

Last week, the Christian County Public School System announced that the 2026 graduation ceremonies would be hosted at each school’s gymnasium instead of the Stadium of Champions. After that decision received public disapproval, Superintendent Chris Bentzel says they are working with seniors to explore other options.

Bentzel appeared on WHOP Monday morning, and shared that the venue change was his idea, and it was approved by the Christian County School Board without student consultation. Now, he says he plans to talk with graduating students about location options for the ceremonies.

Bentzel says there were a couple reasons fueling the venue change. The Stadium of Champions is set to undergo some renovations, but he calls it a small factor in his decision. Bentzel says he mainly thought hosting the graduations in the gymnasiums would be a way to honor the histories of both schools before the consolidated Christian County High School opens in August.

The graduation date and times were also approved by board members at Thursday’s meeting. The 2026 graduation ceremonies will be held on May 22. Christian County High School seniors will graduate at 5 p.m., while Hopkinsville High School seniors will graduate at 8:30 p.m.