2025 Graduation Information

Requirements for Commencement Participation

Each year, decisions must be made about the status of seniors who are in danger of failing classes. If a senior is near failing or has work yet to complete, which affects the requirements for graduation, the diploma insert will be withheld until the requirements are met. If the student can satisfactorily meet those requirements by the end of summer school, he/she will be allowed to participate in Commencement. However, if a student needs more than 10 credits of required classes to graduate, it would be unlikely that the requirement can be met within the allotted time, and the student will not be allowed to participate. Students in the above situation should see their counselor as soon as possible.

Graduation Meeting/Rehearsal Advanced:

On Friday, May 16th, at approximately 8:00 a.m., seniors will participate in commencement rehearsal in the Lincoln East High School main gym. At this rehearsal, we will discuss protocol and expectations for the ceremony. Seniors will be expected to attend all classes following the rehearsal.

Recommended and Required Dress for the Graduation Ceremony

We strive to keep the graduation ceremony dignified and meaningful. We ask that students dress accordingly.

Required Graduation Ceremony Uniform

If you have not ordered the cap and gown yet, please contact Signature Graduation.

The graduation ceremony is a student activity, and, as with other student activities like basketball or chamber choir, it has a special uniform. The graduation ceremony uniform is the official mortar board (or cap) and gown that can be ordered from Lincoln Graduation. It is required for participation in graduation.

Every graduating senior has the opportunity to participate in the graduation ceremony according to the guidelines included below. It is an important capstone to your child’s academic career. But, just like any other student activity, it is considered an extracurricular event, so attending the graduation ceremony is not required of students in order for them to graduate and receive a diploma. If students do not wish to attend the ceremony, the diploma can be picked up at the school starting on the Wednesday following graduation.Information on this process is included below.

Distribution of Caps and Gowns

Caps and Gowns are being shipped to home addresses or will be distributed through the Counseling Office if shipped to the school. Seniors can still order a cap and gown by going here.

Graduation Regalia:

A list of the district graduation day honors that the school may confer on students is listed below. Some honors include school-authorized regalia that can be worn at graduation. No other messages, personal items, jewelry, or adornments may be added to or worn on the graduation cap or gown.

The cap and gown serve as the uniform for the graduation ceremony. Only district-approved graduation regalia may be worn along with the cap and gown. Personal items may not be worn on the gown or mortarboard during the ceremony or while walking across the stage. Students who bring non-district-approved or personal items will be asked to leave them with a family member or in a designated location at PBA. These items can be retrieved after crossing the graduation stage, before taking graduation photos.

Day of the Ceremony:

Graduating seniors may enter through one of the main entrances and proceed to the stadium floor.

Personal Items: Secured storage space is not available on the floor. Personal items are considered to be something that you would carry in your hands, over your shoulder, and/or under or outside of your cap or gown – basically, anything other than your cap and gown. These items may not be brought on the floor and should be left at home, in your car, or with a family member attending the ceremony. When students arrive, they will be directed to their seats on the main floor of PBA. Seats are arranged in alphabetical order from front to back. At the conclusion of the ceremony, students will recess out the back of the main floor toward the front entrance. Staff will be available to help guide and assist students.

Diploma Information

The actual diplomas are not presented to graduates on stage during the ceremony. Students will receive a graduation packet with their diplomas before they leave the arena. PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD THIS PACKET. It contains items that cannot be duplicated inside. Only one diploma is awarded to each graduate. Diplomas not received at the graduation ceremony may be picked up in the counseling office starting on the Wednesday following graduation.

To Receive a Diploma at Graduation

It is important that every senior verify that they have met all of their school obligations and paid any fines. Seniors with school items not previously returned (books, music, folders, equipment, etc.) need to have those items returned and any fines or fees paid prior to graduation. Only those graduates who have fulfilled this
requirement will receive their diploma at the graduation ceremony.

Graduates with items to return or with fines to pay may pick up their diplomas by working with the main office and the counseling center starting on the Wednesday following graduation.

Requests for Final Transcripts

Graduates who require a “Final Transcript” to add to their records or for employment or post-secondary school applications must complete a “Request for Transcript” form. Final transcripts with GPA will be available after May 29th, 2025.