The class of 2026 will take their final steps as high school students on Thursday, May 21, at 8:30 p.m. at The Star. Doors open at 7:30 for family and friends and the ceremony is expected to last around one hour. Guests aged five and up are required to have a ticket to enter The Star, which will be released to students May 15. Each senior receives 15 tickets through the HomeTown app, but they’re easy to transfer between families if they’re not needed.
There will be two sides for graduation, side A on the left side and side B on the right. Students will walk to the opposite side of the stage across from their seats, so it’s important for families and friends to decide whether they want to sit on the same side as their student or see their face walking across the stage. If parents want to see them as they receive their diploma, they should sit on the opposite side. For example, parents should sit on side B if their student is on side A and they want to see their student from the front. If they want to sit closer for most of the ceremony, sit on side A. Students will get an email regarding their seating arrangements a couple of days before graduation.
Before students cross the stage, their names will be announced. To ensure all names are pronounced correctly, students need to navigate to their class Canvas page and record themselves saying their name out loud multiple times.
Additionally, students who spend hours wondering what to wear to special occasions no longer need to worry! Graduation attire includes an Emerson gown, a stole with the class year, a cap, which can’t be decorated, a tassel and any cords. Graduation cords must be FISD approved and gowns must remain fully zipped at all times. If students are in National Honor Society, they will receive an additional stole. When preparing gowns, make sure to steam them instead of ironing, as that will melt the fabric.
If students fail to adhere to any of the rules by decorating their caps or bringing additional cords, they will be removed from the ceremony.
While students may have limited choice regarding their outerwear, they can customize their shoes and clothes underneath their gowns. Nice dress shirts and pants, dresses that are shorter than the gown and classy footwear are all recommended. Make sure heels aren’t stiletto-tipped, as they will make it difficult to walk across the turf and stage. Instead, opt for chunky or wide bases. Pajamas and shorts are also forbidden.
It’s important to note that students may be denied the opportunity to cross the stage if behavior or attire is deemed inappropriate, which includes senior pranks.
Students are required to attend a rehearsal on Tuesday, May 19, at 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium, which will finish by 3:30. This is mandatory for all seniors, but parents will not attend. Students on the hold list must turn in all items such as library books or uniforms to ensure they can participate.
On the actual day of graduation, all students will meet at Emerson and ride the buses to The Star. After the ceremony is over, they will leave with family by exiting up to the Tostidos Plaza. Students and families are encouraged to designate a meeting space, as the large crowds and darkness make it difficult to find one another. From there, students can go celebrate their accomplishments!
Seniors can also attend Senior Sunset on May 18 to celebrate their last moments before leaving to pursue a degree, career or anything else they have planned.
Feel free to reach out to Dr. Sommers regarding any concerns or questions you may have. Congratulations to all of the graduating seniors! Your hard work and dedication have paid off!
