Plano ISD’s plan to use AI for announcing student names at graduations sparks debate over tradition and ‘human factor’ versus modern efficiency and accuracy.
PLANO, Texas — Plano ISD will use artificial intelligence to announce student names at all high school graduation ceremonies this spring, a move the district says will improve accuracy and create a more seamless experience.
In an email to parents, the district wrote: “Names matter, and we want your big moment to feel personal and accurate.”
But for Avery Cousins, a senior at Plano Senior High, the change is hard to accept as she approaches graduation.
“It really sunk in how wild this decision was,” she said. “There is such a distinct human factor to having somebody who knows you and contributed to your education say your name while you walk.”
The district plans to use NameCheck, an AI-powered pronunciation tool that allows students to record and train the system to say their names correctly.
Some students say they support the move.
“I think it’s very cool how the technology is coming along,” senior Holden Schmidt said.
“I’d rather have my name said correctly at graduation…especially since it’s such a big day for me,” said senior Bridgette Cruz.
Watt Lesley Black Jr., who teaches education policy at SMU, says the issue highlights a broader tension.
“It’s a question of efficiency versus tradition or accuracy versus authenticity,” Black said.
He also questions whether the change may spark more backlash than benefit. Black was an educator and administrator for many years in the North Texas area.
“To me…the juice is not worth the squeeze. Graduation ceremonies are one of the most change-resistant and tradition-laden things that we do in education,” the SMU professor said.
Avery has taken action, starting a written petition to bring back a human announcer. She says support came quickly.
“They [signatures] started gathering very quickly on the first day. I had 100,” the senior said.
Her ultimate hope, she said, is to have the majority of the senior population signed up from her school.
Plano ISD says the decision comes after feedback from past graduations and notes the AI system will also display names on a large screen. The district says the goal is “…a smooth, memorable, and respectful celebration for every member of the Class of 2026.”
Avery tells WFAA she does not discount the importance of pronouncing names accurately, she says that’s important too. She wishes there was some middle ground where the AI can be used as a tool for the human announcer to verify before calling out the name on the stage.
“There is something distinctly valuable about having a human experience even when it’s imperfect,” she said.
With graduation day approaching in late May, so is a deadline for her effort. The district tells WFAA they do not have a formal written petition process. The district does encourage students and families to communicate concerns early and directly to a teacher or campus administrator “who has the authority to address the issue.”
The annual cost of the software and service is less than $10,000 for all four graduations according to the district.