Graduation Information
Graduation Information for Students
Commencement Ceremony
- Graduation will be on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 6:30 at the University of St. Thomas. Doors will close at 6:45 for the graduation ceremony.
- All graduates must arrive by 5:30.
- Ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
- Each student will receive 9 tickets to graduation.
- Caps and Gowns will be distributed on May 22.
Graduation Rehearsal
- Date/Time: Monday, June 1 at 10:30 at University of St. Thomas
- Graduation rehearsal is mandatory. You must attend rehearsal and be on time to participate in the graduation ceremony. Attendance will be taken.
- Please be at the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena on the morning of rehearsal. Please be on time.
- You must provide your own transportation.
- Rehearsal will take approximately 1½ to 2 hours.
- You do not wear cap and gown to the rehearsal
All-Night Party
Check-in will be from 10:00-11:00 PM. Information on this fun night, as well as how to purchase tickets, and sign up for volunteer shifts can be found in the weekly parent newsletter at hpgradparty.com.
Graduation Attire
The gowns are single-use gowns and you will be able to keep them. When you receive your cap and gown there will be instructions for their care. Hang them up on a hanger to assist with the removal of wrinkles. Do not add any decorations to the cap or gown. Honors cords and IB medals may be worn on the outside of the gown. Any caps with decorations on them will be confiscated prior to the ceremony. Your tassel should be worn on the left side. This is a dignified ceremony. Please be respectful of your classmates and Highland Park Senior High. Remember to take all pictures before you arrive at St. Thomas or after the ceremony. The University of St. Thomas has beautiful spaces to take photos before or after the ceremony.
Graduation Tickets and Ceremony
When you receive your cap and gown, each graduate will receive nine (9) tickets for the ceremony. These tickets will be scanned at the doors at the graduation ceremony. Guests requiring accessible seating should pick up an extra pass. There is limited seating for handicapped guests on the main floor. Only one family member will be allowed to sit with the person requiring special arrangements.
Graduates must report to the Lee & Penny Anderson Arena, entering the door to the Auxiliary Rink. Guests will enter at the main arena entrance. We will begin lining up the graduates at 5:45 in preparation for the procession. Only graduates will be allowed in this area. Please take all pictures before you arrive at the arena or after the ceremony. Please be courteous.
Each graduate will receive 9 tickets to graduation. Please fill out the Ticket Request/Return form if you have extras or if you might need more. We will go in order of request until they are all distributed. Our ticket procedure has changed from previous years - extra tickets are not guaranteed.
Some items are not allowed into the arena. Helium balloons, air horns, noisemakers, and glass containers are all prohibited. Small bouquets of flowers may be brought by guests but not carried by graduates during the ceremony. Highland Park FFA will be selling a variety of flowers at graduation.
Parking
The University of St. Thomas has parking ramps located near Anderson Arena. There is a fee for parking at some of the ramps. Nearby parking lots are available without charge. Please see the parking information/map for details.
If you have any further questions, please stop Ms. Hedwall’s room (3207), call (651) 744-3881, or e-mail (melissa.hedwall@spps.org) Finally, take time to enjoy the last few weeks of high school!
Graduation Code of Conduct
Graduation is a very important event in the lives of graduates and their families and friends. This is a formal occasion and proper behavior is expected before, during, and after the rehearsal, or ceremony. Please read and follow the conduct guidelines below. Violation of this code of conduct will result in you not participating in the graduation ceremony.
- Be on time for rehearsal and the ceremony.
- No chemical use on school grounds, including Roy Wilkins Auditorium, before, during, and after the rehearsal, ceremony, and all-night party. This includes alcohol, cigarettes, vaping and other drugs.
- No decorations on the mortarboard (cap) – it will be taken before you enter the ceremony.
- No outside decorations on the gown - only appropriate cords, IB and Immersion medals, and approved cultural stoles.
- Do not wear or carry flowers. Native American students who have received an eagle feather as part of a special ceremony will be allowed to carry the eagle feather.
- No cameras or recording devices on the floor of Anderson Arena. Please leave your cell phones at home or turn them off during the ceremony.
- No showboating, yelling, or dramatization before, during, or after rehearsal and the ceremony.
Remember, this is a dignified occasion, which you have earned. Your appropriate behavior enhances everyone’s experience.