WESTON, Fla., May 18 (UPI) -- Vice President Joe Biden will speak at the first high school commencement at the new Florida Marlins stadium in Miami, officials said.
Cypress Bay High School in Weston will have the distinction of being the first school to hold its commencement in the new Marlins Park, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.
"Obviously we're thrilled,'' said assistant principal Jeff Nelson, who noted the school is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. "Who better to motivate and inspire our graduates than the vice president of our country? It's an honor to have the No. 2 guy in charge of our country speak to our graduates.''
Before Biden decided to speak at the commencement, the school had planned to have its graduation ceremony June 3 at the Bank United Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. But Biden could attend only if the event were held June 4, when the UM venue was booked.
So the school, with 4,210 students, booked Marlins Park, which will cost $17,000 -- $6,000 more than the UM facility.
Nelson said an anonymous donor is covering the difference in price.
About 7,500 people are expected to attend the graduation at Marlins Park, which can accommodate about 37,000, the Sun-Sentinel said.
