Graduation

Friday, May 30, 2025
6:30 pm at UT Tyler
Louise Harrington Patriot Center (HPC)

Senior Banquet:

• Each campus will be hosting a Senior Banquet for scholars and parents to acknowledge their hard work and to celebrate their achievements.  Check Parent Square for information information specific to your campus celebration.

Rehearsal:

• On Friday, May 30, all seniors will participate in a Graduation Rehearsal at the HPC at 4:00 pm. Transportation from the Longview and Palestine campuses will be addressed by their Directors as needed. Graduates should arrive dressed for graduation- there will be hanging racks for their robes.
  
  

Graduation Ceremony:

• Date: Friday, May 30, 2025
• Location:  UT Tyler Herrington Patriot Center (HPC) in Tyler
• Ceremony Time: 6:30 pm
• Doors to arena open to Families:  5:15 pm

 

Graduation Frequently Asked Questions:

• How will Graduation be conducted with all 3 campuses?
  • We will have one Graduation ceremony and acknowledge Seniors from all three campuses together.
     
• Will each campus have a Valedictorian and a Salutatorian?
  • Yes, we will honor a Valedictorian and a Salutatorian from each campus.  Each Valedictorian will give a brief speech in honor of their accomplishment at graduation.  Salutatorian speeches are given at the Senior banquet.
    
    
•  What accomplishments will be honored during the ceremony?
  • The school will provide Valedictorian and Salutatorian medallions.
  • The school will provide Honor stoles for scholars who have earned a 4.25 GPA.
  • The school will provide Dual Credit Scholar cords to scholars who will be graduating with at least 36 Dual Credit hours.
  • The school will provide NHS stoles, Student Council cords, and Class Officer Cords.
     
• Is there a dress code?
  • Yes, please, no jeans.  Scholars should wear dark colored professional dress and shoes.  Their shoes should be ones they can walk in comfortably.
     
• May scholars decorate their Graduation caps?
  • No.
    
    
•  How many guests can we bring?
  • You may invite your family and close friends.
     
• Will parents be allowed to “be where the graduates are” when the graduates are in the 4:00 pm rehearsal and then getting ready for the ceremony?
  • No.  The rehearsal will be closed to parents/public, and no family members will be allowed in the make-ready room.  Campus Directors and other staff will assist them with their graduation regalia and prepare them for photos and the processional.
    
    
• Students can leave the ‘make-ready’ room to greet their families in the lobby and take pictures before the rehearsal but must be available for group pictures.
  • Open seating in the stadium will be available to families by 5:00 pm.
     
• Will there be a “reserved” seating area for parents/guardians of each graduate?
  • No, seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis in the bleachers- there is plenty of room in the stadium seating.
     
• Are students allowed to have their cell phones during the ceremony?
  • No, students will be asked to place their cell phones in a basket in the make-ready area to prevent distractions during this important event. Their Directors will oversee the basket and have it available to collect them at the end of the recessional line.  We will provide a staff member to watch over the make-ready room during the ceremony.  
     
• Will there be a photographer taking the diploma acceptance/handshake photos, and if so, will there be a charge for that?
  • A photographer will be provided to take pictures of each graduate receiving their diploma and shaking hands with the President.  All photos will be made freely available through a shared link.
     
• Will there be livestream/video of the ceremony?
  • A videographer will be filming footage throughout the event, including behind the scenes, candid and the ceremony.  A professionally produced keepsake video will be published to YouTube approximately 2 weeks post ceremony.
  • We will not be livestreaming the event; families are welcome to stream from their phones in the audience if they so choose.
     
• Will there be a time and place for family/group photos after the ceremony?
  • The back half of the stadium floor will be available for families/friends to meet up with their graduate and take family/group photos.  Additionally, a UA photo backdrop will be available for photo opportunities at the entrance level.
     
• Where should graduates and guests park on campus?
  • Parking will be marked for your convenience.  Please refer to the attached map for further information.
  • Golf cart service will be available for those in need of assistance.
     
• Are there any additional activities upon the conclusion of the ceremony?
  • After the ceremony and recessional are complete, guests are free to meet their graduate on the stadium floor for photos.
     

We look forward to seeing everyone at graduation!