Graduation Information for Seniors!
Class of 2026!
We know there is a lot of excitement that comes with the end of high school as students prepare for graduation, and we hope this information will help you in your planning. We want this to be a special time for students, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
We are pleased to confirm that our commencement ceremony will be held on Thursday May 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Other Important Dates:
Senior Exams: May 18 - 21 (during the school day)
Senior Awards Ceremony: Friday, May 22 - Time to be announced
Last day for Seniors: Tuesday, May 26
Senior Picnic: Friday, May 22
Completion of all final exams and attendance at senior meetings and rehearsals from May 18, 2026 to May 26, 2026 is MANDATORY. Seniors must attend all three (3) graduation rehearsals listed below in order to participate in graduation.
If a student experiences an emergency illness on the day of a scheduled rehearsal, the student’s parent or guardian must email mhhsabsence@hcpss.org and brittany_gutierrez@hcpss.org by 7:30 am to explain the reason for the absence. Graduation deserves the highest priority. Seniors are expected to rearrange schedules in order to attend mandatory practices and events.
Prompt arrival and perfect attendance at all required events will ensure a smooth and dignified ceremony that you will be proud to attend. We need the support of all parents and students to make our 2026 graduation a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Please ensure you and your students have read the graduation instructions and calendar included in this newsletter.
Sincerely,
Katie Clark
Principal
Brittany Gutierrez, Julie Kingsley and Karina Carr
Graduation Coordinators
Monday, 5/18/26 (B Day)
- Period 1 – EXAM
- Period 2 – EXAM
- Period 3 – Exam Review
- Period 4B – Exam Review
- Period 5 – Class
- Period 6 – Class
Tuesday, 5/19/26 (A Day)
- Period 1 – Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal (Auditorium)
- Period 2 – Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal (Auditorium)
- Period 3 – EXAM
- Period 4A – EXAM
- Period 5 – Class
- Period 6 – Class
Wednesday, 5/20/26 (B Day)
- Period 1 – Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal (Auditorium)
- Period 2 – Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal (Auditorium)
- Period 3 – Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal (Auditorium)
- Period 4B – EXAM
- Period 5 – Exam Review
- Period 6 – Exam Review
Thursday, 5/21/26 (A Day)
- Period 1 – Senior Breakfast
- Period 2 – Senior Picture
- Period 3 – Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal (auditorium)
- Period 4B – Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal (Seniors eat D lunch)
- Period 5 – EXAM
- Period 6 – EXAM
Friday, 5/22/26 (B Day)
Senior Awards Ceremony (time to be announced), Mt. Hebron Auditorium
Senior Picnic (Bermuda Field)
Tuesday, 5/26/26 (A Day)
- Senior Make-Up Exams
- Graduation Speaker Rehearsal
- Cromebook/Book Returns
- Obligations
Participation in the graduation ceremony is not mandatory. Students who elect not to participate in the ceremony are still expected to attend school from 7:50 am to 2:35 pm during each school day through May 26, 2026. All students must have an approved absence or early dismissal note for any absence from school. Although participation in the graduation ceremony is voluntary, attendance at all senior meetings/rehearsals is mandatory. Students need to be on time and stay for the full event.
If a student experiences an emergency illness on the day of a scheduled rehearsal, the student’s parent or guardian must email mhhsabsence@hcpss.org and brittany_gutierrez@hcpss.org by 7:30am to explain the reason for the absence.
Graduates should wear business dress attire. All shirts are to be buttoned, and collars are to be worn inside the gown. No sneakers, tennis shoes, boots, flip flops, or other such footwear is allowed. Please be aware, large earrings and bracelets that can get caught on caps and gowns.
Students may wear stoles, cords, and medallions that represent honors/participation in any high school sponsored honor societies, clubs, and activities. Those are the only approved adornments. Decorating the tops of caps is prohibited.
Caps and gowns are required attire for the Commencement Ceremony. When students receive their graduation gowns, they should hang it up! Wrinkles can be removed by hanging the gown in the bathroom, where the steam will smooth the material.
Merriweather has handicapped parking by the pavilion. In order to park in the handicapped area, the vehicle must contain the DMV issued placard or license plate . If you do not have a DMV issued handicap parking tag, there will be a drop off point for those guests who are unable to walk from the designated parking lot. Wheelchair-accessible and companion seats are located throughout Section 100, in Row Z of Sections 200-204, and in Row JJ of Sections 300-302.
Seniors are reminded that all school rules and HCPSS policies are in effect at all senior events, both at school and at school-sponsored events.
Seniors are to report to the pavilion at 10:00 AM.
