Wyandotte Superintendent is 'Fine' After Sudden Spell During Graduation Ceremony

Wyandotte Superintendent Carla Harting said she's fine after she experienced a brief fainting spell during Roosevelt High School's graduation ceremony Thursday night.

Harting was standing at a podium calling out names of graduates when she briefly lost consciousness. She immediately regained consciousness. Minutes later the ceremony was back on track.

"The lesson is don’t lock your knees," Harting said.  "I walked away and I’m fine."

Harting sent out an email Friday morning summarizing the reason she fainted. The email stated:

I want to thank everyone for their concern following the Graduation Ceremony.  Salutatorian Emily Taylor delivered an excellent speech, which I put to use immediately following graduation.  She spoke about the use of Google as a resource. I did exactly what she said and Googled “What causes fainting?”   The following information came up:

Simple Faints – Causes: Prolonged standing in one position is a common cause of simple faints. It commonly occurs at church, graduations, weddings, school assemblies, parades, etc. It is more common if one keeps one's knees “locked” – due to pooling of blood in the legs. Anyone who stands long enough in one position will eventually faint.

Prior to the graduation ceremony the photographer showed me where to stand and asked that I not move off the spot because it could blur the pictures of students receiving their diplomas.  I took what she said to heart.  I stood in one position with my knees locked to avoid blurred student pictures. 

I am fine and thank you all for your concern!  I really appreciate your support.