Cue Pomp and Circumstance because it’s time for the senior Mustangs to walk across the stage and get their diplomas! On June 12, 2023, at 7:30 pm the graduation ceremony will begin promptly at Spectrum Center. But before the ceremony begins, there are many things students and parents need to know. A lot goes into putting together this memorable ceremony and getting over 800 seniors their diplomas. This is why the cooperation of students and parents is crucial to preserving the elegance of the ceremony.
Tracy Zornow and Anne Toth have been the graduation co-coordinators for several years. While a graduation memo has been sent out and a senior graduation meeting has been held, students are bound to forget important information about graduation.
The first is everyone’s favorite: dress code! Students must have a 2023 Myers Park Cap and Gown, a medallion, and a tassel. If any of these items are lost, students are in charge of replacing them in order to participate in the ceremony. Along with the cap and gown, students must adhere to the formal dress code. According to the graduation memo, students must wear “dresses, dress pants (no jeans or shorts), a collared shirt with necktie and appropriate shoes”. Appropriate shoes mean no plastic footwear such as flip-flops or Crocs, and sneakers are not allowed. Sandals are allowed as long as they are leather or not worn down and do not flip when walking. Students are highly encouraged to be thoughtful of their footwear and not wear shoes that are difficult to walk in. Every year, a student in hard-to-manage shoes falls into the arms of Mr. Colson. Don’t let that be you! Finally, students are allowed to wear up to three cords and unlimited school-related pins on their robes. Stoles are prohibited and will be taken away from students and returned after the ceremony. If you have any clothing needs, please see Mr. Jeffus or Ms. Armstrong. If you have any cap and gown issues, reach out to Mrs. Raybon.
Appropriate behavior is also expected from all students and attendees of the ceremony. Students are expected to behave as adults in order to uphold the long history of this classy ceremony. Ms. Zornow adds, “We have been asked to stress that this is an important, serious program, not a sporting event. Appropriate audience behavior is essential to maintaining the dignity of the program. We have talked with all graduates about their behavior and the consequences of misbehavior. We ask that guests show the same respect to the graduates’ families and guests as they will show to their classmates”.
However, before students are allowed to walk across the stage, they are expected to have completed the following senior tasks. By May 15th, seniors are expected to reread the graduation memo, update Naviance with their post-grad plans and log their earned scholarship money (even if you don’t intend to use it). Students are also expected to pass all courses to ensure their graduation status. By June 9th, students must return their Chromebook and charger to ParkIT and ensure that all their financial obligations are clear. Mark June 5th in your calendars Mustangs! It is important for students to note that their diploma will have the name as seen in PowerSchool. If there is an error, talk to Mr. Unger ASAP to correct the mistake. This is the day of the graduation rehearsal. Those who do not attend will not be allowed to walk on June 12th. Arrive at Spectrum Center by 5:30 pm and expect to be present until 7:30 pm. Finally, on June 12th, students must be standing in line and through security at 6:30 dressed appropriately.
It has been a long time coming Mustangs! Seniors started high school in 2019 and finished their sophomore years on Zoom. Junior year started with masks and now seniors have finished their senior year. Congratulations Mustangs!