Graduation 2026

Dear Seniors and Families,

As graduation on June 5th quickly approaches, we want to take a moment to congratulate you on reaching this exciting milestone. This is a significant achievement, and we are incredibly proud of all that you have accomplished during your time here. Over the next few weeks, please be sure to review all graduation-related information carefully. Staying informed and meeting all deadlines will help ensure a smooth and memorable experience for everyone.

We encourage you to take time to reflect on your journey, thank those who have supported you, and celebrate responsibly. June 5th will be a day to honor your hard work, dedication, and growth.

We look forward to celebrating your special day with you!

Madison College-Truax Campus

1701 Wright St.

Madison, WI 53704

Lifetouch will be at graduation taking pictures including the following:

• Class Picture
• Diploma being received on the stage.
• Other candid photos from check-in to tossing of the caps.

Ordering of these pictures will be available after graduation (generally the next day). More information to come as we get closer to graduation.

Flower Orders
Flowers may be pre-ordered for pickup at graduation.

• Pre-order deadline: June 2
• Flowers will also be available for purchase at the ceremony. However, bouquets purchased at graduation will cost an additional $5.00.

Yard Sign Orders
A variety of delivery and pickup options are available.

• To receive your yard sign before graduation, orders must be placed by Friday, May 22nd.
• For pickup orders, the deadline is June 2nd.

This is for all seniors whether you plan on being in person or not! In the survey, you will be asked about the following:

• Name Pronunciation

• Attendance

• Guests Information

• Accommodations

• Accomplishments

Please note that seating in the Gymnasium where the ceremony will be held is *first come, first serve* Doors will open at 3pm for guests in attendance. Overflow seating will be located in the Mitby Theater with livestreaming.

Please use the link above to fill in your information by May 22nd.

If students are planning on attending the graduation ceremony, they will need to have a cap and gown. For students that are not planning on attending, it is not required; however, many families like to order items for pictures.

The graduation package costs $36.00 and includes the cap, gown, tassel, and shipping. There are additional items that can be ordered as well if you are interested in doing so.

The deadline to order the cap and gown package is April 4th as orders can take 2-4 weeks to ship. ($15 late fee for orders after 4/4/26)

Double check that you receive the correct color (black) and please annotate that you are a student of Destinations Career Academy (DCA) during checkout.

We want to have a picture of you in our Senior slide show that will play at Graduation. This is for ALL seniors whether you plan on being in person or not!

• At least one picture of you now (as a Senior)

• At least one picture of you as a baby or young child (elementary school age)

*Students that do not submit photos by 5/22 will not need be included in the senior slideshow.

* The photos that you send do not have to be professional photos, but they should be school appropriate. *

Students need to fulfill the credit requirements, as well as other graduation requirements, such as passing the civics exam and completing all the required parts of Xello. If you have questions about your graduation status, please contact your counselor.

The ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m. with graduates checking in at 2:30 p.m. Arrive no later than 3:00 p.m.

When you arrive, there will be staff to direct you to the check-in table. You will receive a post card to be checked off from the following stations:

1. Pathway Check-in
2. Accomplishment Check-in (confirm which accomplishment you want read on stage)
3. Final prep check-in
4. Your pathway teachers will lead you into the gymnasium and direct you to your seat

Address:

Truax Main Campus
1701 Wright St., Madison, WI 53704

Yes, seniors participating in graduation will have a virtual practice on June 2nd from 12:35-1:05 p.m.

• Semester 2 ends Friday, May 29th.
• The final day to turn in assignments is May 21st at 11:59 p.m.

Yes! As you prepare to celebrate your graduation, decorating your cap can be a fun and meaningful way to express your personality, achievements, and future goals. We encourage creativity, positivity, and pride in your accomplishments.

Please follow these guidelines:

• All decorations must remain school‑appropriate and respectful.
• No glitter or sequence should be used.
• Designs should avoid inappropriate language, images, or messages that could be considered offensive or disruptive.
• Decorations should not extend significantly beyond the edges of the cap or interfere with the ceremony or visibility of others.

No worries, we have caps and gowns to loan students. Reach out to your school counselor to request a cap/gown to loan for your special day.

Graduates should wear:

• Cap and gown
• School‑appropriate attire underneath
• Comfortable, appropriate footwear (practice in your footwear)

Decorations must follow school guidelines (see cap decorating rules above)

Black and Gold

A livestream/recording will be available for those who cannot attend in person. Link will be provided before the ceremony.

We do not send tickets but request that students complete the graduation ceremony survey. This gives us an estimate of guests. Click here for Graduation Ceremony Survey. Students are limited to 10 guests. There will be overflow seating in a nearby auditorium to watch the live stream.

*The survey will also ask about special seating requirements.

Students will receive their diploma cover while walking across the stage. After the ceremony, students will return to their pathway lead teacher to receive their official diploma.

*Students that do not attend the ceremony will receive their cover and diploma in the mail.

Even if you are not attending the ceremony in-person, we will still call your name. You can watch the live stream to hear your name called.

The ceremony will last 1.5-2 hours.

You can stay for a piece of cake and mingle with DCA staff and family. 😀

Wear the gold tassel to graduation.

Request a shipping label here: Customer Support - Welcome

Need your transcript sent to a University, Technical School, Military branch or Employer? Click the link below to have your transcript sent.

Business Administration, Agriculture, and Information Technology Pathways:

Ms. Baur (hbaur@wivcs.org)

Construction Pathway:

Mr. Mormino (lmormino@wivcs.org )

Health Science and Law Pathways:

Ms. Will (kwill@wivcs.org)

Ms. Wolfe (twolfe@wivcs.org)

Ms. Armitage (sarmitage@wivcs.org)