Class of 2026 LumberGram

Class of 2026 Community,

As we near the end of May, I want to share some important information for the Class of 2026.

It is hard to believe that nearly 13 years of schooling have passed for our seniors. When this class entered kindergarten in 2013, President Barack Obama was beginning his second term after winning the 2012 presidential election against Republican nominee Mitt Romney. The highest‑grossing movie of the year was Iron Man 3, and “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis topped the music charts. Gas prices peaked at $3.63 per gallon, and the average cost of milk was $3.48.

As these seniors entered ninth grade in September 2022, schools were returning to more traditional academic programming following COVID‑related restrictions. Through every challenge, this remarkable group persevered, adapted, and rose to the occasion. Our seniors have much to celebrate as they put the final words to this chapter of their lives and prepare for new opportunities, challenges, and accomplishments ahead.

Please review the information below, and do not hesitate to contact the NTHS Main Office at (716) 807‑3600 with any questions or concerns.

Proudly yours,

Bradley W. Rowles
Principal

In accordance with the Student Extracurricular Policy, students must maintain a minimum attendance rate of 90% and pass four academic classes plus Physical Education in order to be eligible to attend the Class of 2026 Prom.

INAPPROPRIATE DECORATIONS INCLUDE:

• The following content is prohibited: profanity, drug/alcohol references, language that reflects political partisanship, language that is disparaging/harassing/bullying towards others, language that is discriminatory, or language that otherwise creates a material disruption of the graduation event for any other students or staff.

• NO 3-D Objects; such as signs, stuffed animals, bells, or objects that may rest on the cap.

• NO Noise Makers; your cap CANNOT make noise. NO bells, horns, or any noise makers.

• NO Light-Up-Displays; your cap cannot include any electrical or light up components that would be distracting or a potential fire hazard.

• NO extensions beyond the perimeter of the cap; nothing can lay perpendicular thus allowing us to see the decoration beyond eye level. Nothing may also hang from the edge of the cap except the school approved tassel.

• ALL decorations must lay flat on the cap.

• Thank a parent, family member, teacher, coach, ….

• Recognize the college/university you will be attending, branch of the military enlisting, career pathway

• A symbol to show a hobby or passion

All decorated caps must be given to the Senior Class Advisors, with the student’s full name written on the inside, by no later than Tuesday, June 16th (M.U.D. Ceremony). Graduation caps will be checked by NTHS staff and returned to graduating students the morning of commencement on Sunday, June 28th. NTHS Administration reserves the right to confiscate any cap that violates the expectations listed above.

Please be careful of your decorating choices, as additional caps will not be given to graduating seniors.

Failure to follow the expectations listed above will result in the confiscation of your inappropriately decorated cap and a temporary replacement cap will be provided for our commencement ceremony.

Dear Class of 2026 Families,

I would like to congratulate you on the effort you have put forth on behalf of your graduating senior. It has been a long journey, but well worth the work. I would like to share with you some pertinent information about graduation and ask for your cooperation. The graduation ceremony is Sunday, June 28, 2026, @ 10:00 am at Artpark in Lewiston.

Please be aware of the following:

Each graduate will receive 8 tickets for guest use. Students will receive their 8 tickets following our Commencement Rehearsal on Friday, June 26th. Please call (716-807-3600) the NTHS Main Office with any ticket related questions.

Graduates should be at Artpark by 9:15 am to pick up a 3 x 5 card with his / her name on it at the pavilion, as they enter the park. Students will also receive their decorated cap that was reviewed by NTCSD staff at this time.

Family and guests may enter the theater at 9:30 am (this time is set by the venue). It is general seating.

Parking is available in authorized areas only... NOT on the street. Parking is free - please use South Fourth Street to enter Artpark.

GRADUATES SHOULD LEAVE THEIR VALUABLES WITH YOU.

GRADUATES WILL BE DENIED THE PRIVILEGE OF APPEARING ON STAGE IF THEY COME INAPPROPRIATELY DRESSED TO THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. PROPER ATTIRE IS A MUST FOR EACH GRADUATE. ANY GRADUATE WHO COMES TO THE CEREMONY IN SNEAKERS, SHORTS OR ANY OTHER INAPPROPRIATE DRESS UNDER THEIR GOWN WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE LINE AND DENIED THE PRIVILEGE OF APPEARING ON STAGE.

During the ceremonies, there will be no picture taking in the main aisles so as not to block the view of other parents and guests. If you want to take pictures, you may do so from the outside left and right aisles only. Also, a photographer from UPSTATE IMAGES will be taking pictures of your graduate after they’ve exited the stage. These pictures will be available for purchase. More information will be available as we near our Commencement Ceremony.

Presentation flowers may be given to graduates after they come off the stage at the exit side of the stage only. No flowers may be carried on stage.

Please refrain from clapping until ALL students have received their diploma. At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests should REMAIN IN THEIR SEATS UNTIL ALL THE GRADUATES HAVE LEFT THE THEATER.