BHS Senior News

Dear Parents of the class of 2022:

Congratulations, your senior is almost ready for graduation from Buchanan High School. I am sending this communication to you in hopes to shed some light on the plans that administrators, teachers and class officers have been working on to commemorate this milestone of completing high school.

May 27th will mark the end of one phase for graduates and the beginning of another. Buchanan High School graduates have worked hard for their diplomas. I am proud of each of them and look forward to seeing each take their place as leaders in the economic, political and social institutions of our great country.

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming graduation events.

Sincerely,

Stacey DeMaio

Buchanan High School Principal

Parents and students are welcome to submit pictures of their graduates from various years in their lives (baby pictures, senior pictures, group pictures from elementary, middle and high school) to be viewed as a compilation senior video. This video will premiere to all seniors at the senior banquet and shown to the public as a prelude to our graduation ceremony. All pictures should be submitted digitally to Brennen Weaver following this link (if you are submitting through a Buchanan Schools email) or sent directly to this email weavisproductions@gmail.com if you are submitting from an outside email.

The Senior banquet will be held at Fernwood from 6:45p - 8:30p. (Students only please.) School memories will be celebrated as well as viewing the Class of 2022 video. Caps and gowns will be distributed. Reservations should be made to one of the senior advisors by April 29th - $20, no refunds.

Typed versions of potential graduation speeches due to Mrs. Hess or Mrs. Neal. All seniors are welcome to audition to speak at graduation. For a complete list of guidelines, please go to the Senior Webpage, and click on Ceremonies. Auditions will be held on May 12th after school.

Mrs. DeMaio has sent every senior an "assignment" from Google Classroom for students to submit a "Senior Slide", which will be used in our graduation ceremony. Students are asked to create a slide that includes their picture and their after high school plans. Please help us get our seniors to complete this assignment.

Seniors have the option to pay off the balance on their Chromebooks and chargers or turn them in. We also have a buyout option for any senior that did not want insurance, but still wants to take their device after graduation. Any senior interested in keeping their device should see Mrs. Cantu in the main office to see how much that cost would be.

The last day for seniors is May 18th, which includes all CTE classes. Senior class officers are planning a fun field day on that date, rain or shine! More information will be shared when plans have been finalized.

Area churches celebrate our seniors by providing a non-denominational baccalaureate service. This year the service will be held at 2:00 on May 22nd at Faith United Methodist Church (728 N Detroit St). Although not an official school event, all seniors and their families are invited to attend this special program sponsored by the Buchanan Ministerial Association.

Honors Convocation will be held in the high school auditorium at 7:00pm. Seniors should wear caps and gowns and report by 6:30 PM. All seniors are encouraged to attend. Honor students and all seniors receiving awards are expected to attend. This is an evening to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2022. Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be announced. Please contact Student Services at 695-8403, for seniors receiving private scholarships or school scholarships of which we may be unaware. We don’t want to miss anyone!

Graduates must report to the cafeteria by 6:00 pm for pictures and line up. Commencement begins at 7:00p at Memorial Field. Students will be recognized and celebrated during the ceremony. More information regarding this event will be sent soon. Students will be given guest passes to give to family members to attend our event in the case that it has to be moved indoors due to weather. Tickets are necessary as space is limited indoors.

Students can continue scholarship applications. Application deadlines vary so please pay close attention to those dates.

Scholarship Page: http://guidance.buchananschools.com/bhs-currently-available-scholarships.html

Buchanan Commencement has been pleasant and dignified for many years. Please help us keep Commencement an important and respectful ceremony. Your cooperation with the following is appreciated:

1. To walk in graduation, seniors must have met all academic requirements for a Buchanan High School diploma.

2. Seniors must take care of all debts (missing or damaged athletic equipment/uniforms, books, chromebooks, chargers, and other school supplies) no later than Thursday, May 26th. Any remaining outstanding debts will result in a student not being able to walk in the graduation ceremony. A letter from Mr. Pruett for seniors who currently have an outstanding debt will be sent out this month.

3. Individual pictures of each senior, in cap and gown, will be taken on the day of graduation beginning at 6:00 PM in the auxiliary gym. These pictures will be used to create a class composite photo. This will be a “closed” photo session. A photographer will be at Commencement to take photos on the field.

4. It is important for guests to be mindful of the weather and the potential heat. Please attend our ceremony by taking necessary precautions. Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, and comfortable clothing for seating on our metal bleachers.

5. An email with ordering information for all graduation photos will be sent to parents from the photographer the day of graduation.

6. Please do not put individual names on banners or in Styrofoam cups in the fence or with similar methods. Also, all handheld signs are prohibited to ensure everyone has an unblocked view of the ceremony.

7. Dr. Harvey Burnett, School Board President, will remain after the ceremony to re-enact the granting of the diploma to anyone who wishes a photo.

8. Please have your son or daughter dress in appropriate attire for graduation so as not to detract from the program. Heels are strongly discouraged as we will be on the field. Gowns that have been altered will not be allowed. Caps may be tastefully decorated, however anything deemed inappropriate will jeopardize participation in the graduation ceremony.

9. We urge you to speak to your graduate about his/her behavior during Commencement. Squirt guns, water bottles, beach balls, etc. are inappropriate for what is a dignified ceremony. Please speak with your son/daughter about this day. This is a dignified occasion and your cooperation will be appreciated.

10. On a more personal note I ask for your help in encouraging your graduate to act responsibly during the graduation party season. Drinking and driving do not mix. There will, I assume, be numerous opportunities for students to celebrate in an “adult” manner. I realize this is a concern for all of us and together we can help encourage the Class of 2022 to have a wonderful, safe and sober graduation season.