Outraged parents and family members crowded the main entrance of the Marianas High School gym on Saipan demanding to be let in after school officials said the venue reached its maximum capacity over an hour before the graduation began.

Parents voicing their frustration over the disorganized ceremony for the school's 358 graduates. There was no ticket system for the indoor ceremony, which was rescheduled due to Typhoon Mawar. Some parents were not able to see their child graduate in-person and were told to watch the commencement on the live stream at the high school's cafeteria, which was also at capacity. One community member told KUAM that the gym was full as early as 2:30 p.m., over an hour ahead of the 4 p.m. ceremony. A school official informed parents that the doors were open hours prior to the graduation. However, some parents in the crowd responded that they were unable to arrive earlier due to work. 

A police officer had to be called to control the growing crowd with upset parents trying to push their way in or even trade seats with other people inside the venue. In a video captured by KUAM, an officer is heard explaining, "They can not accept anybody to enter because they are packed already...They said they are full already."  However, lawmakers and other school officials were let in after that announcement was made.

One lawmaker gave up her seat so that a mother could witness her child's special day. Rep. Marissa Flores said, "I am a representative and we had seats reserved for us. I gave my seat to a mother whose child was graduating today. She was separated from her husband because they were told they had reached max capacity. I opted to give up my seat so a Mother can witness her son receive his diploma today...we as people have a choice to do the right thing."

Parents told the officer that the high school did not inform them of seating arrangements before the ceremony. 

In response to KUAM's inquiry, Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred Ada said, "Now that we saw, firsthand that holding graduation indoors for 358 students is too chaotic for the MHS gym, we will have to go back and have graduations outdoors due to space in the future."

KUAM is waiting for a comment from MHS principal Jonathan Aguon.