The Darien High School valedictorian and salutarian have been chosen for the DHS graduation ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, June 18.
Graduation details from the Darien High School website:
Timeline of Important Events for Seniors
Monday, June 17
- 8:30-11:30 a.m.: Cap and Gown Pickup, Main Office
- 11:30 a.m.: Picnic in Courtyard Sponsored by DHSPA (pre-payment required)
- 1 p.m.: Graduation Rehearsal, DHS Auditorium
Tuesday, June 18
- 10 a.m.: Graduation Rehearsal, DHS Auditorium
- 4 p.m.: Report to South Gym for Robing and Lineup
- 5 p.m.: Ceremony Begins
Mandatory Cap & Gown Pickup, Monday, June 17: DHS Main Office
A cap and gown has been ordered for every member of the class. The cost is $25, payable through SchoolCashOnline. The cap and gown is the senior’s to keep after the ceremony.
A senior will not receive a cap and gown until all school obligations are met. Return all books, athletic equipment, and pay all library and cafeteria fees before pickup. Check your Destiny account beforehand so you have no surprises that morning!
Report to the Main Office at the following times:
- 8:30 – 9:30: Last names beginning with the letters A-G
- 9:30 – 10:30: Last names beginning with the letters H-N
- 10:30 – 11:30: Last names beginning with the letters O-Z
Ms. Emanuelson will be available at the cap and gown pickup during this time to annotate each graduate’s name as pronounced and announced list.
Please see her to confirm pronunciation of your name; if you would like to be announced by your nickname you can request it then as well. (Your diploma will contain your legal name as recorded in Aspen.)
Graduation Rehearsals Assemble in DHS Auditorium
All graduating seniors are required to attend two rehearsals. Assemble in the DHS Auditorium on Monday, June 17 at 1 p.m. and Wednesday Tuesday, June 18 at 10 a.m. Rehearsals last about an hour and a half.
Graduation Ceremony Details
Graduation is Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m. on the DHS Stadium Field, weather permitting. No tickets are needed if the ceremony is held outdoors, and seating is unlimited (see rain plan information, below).
Seniors should arrive by 4 p.m. and report to the South Gym for robing and final preparations.
Gates open at 4 p.m. and seats are first-come, first-served. There will be folding chair seats on the field, as well as the entire home side bleachers. The stage is elevated so all seats on the field and bleachers have good sight lines.
Note the temperature on the field is usually hotter than the ambient temperature, and it can be buggy as well. Bring along a cold water bottle as there are usually no concessions at graduation.
Seniors will not be allowed to carry anything with them into the ceremony. Water will be provided to each student at their seat.
Walking on the Stadium Field turf in high or spike heels can be dangerous, please choose your footwear with that in mind. Students should refer to the ceremony agreement (included below) for graduation attire guidelines. There is NO smoking on DHS grounds, before or after the ceremony. This includes cigars!
The ceremony will last about one hour and forty-five minutes.
A professional photographer will be at the ceremony and will make photos available for sale online a few days after graduation. See this web page.
There will be a reception hosted by the DHSPA for all graduates, their families and guests immediately following the ceremony.
Rain or Unsettled Weather Plan
If the weather is unsettled, graduation will be held indoors in the DHS Auditorium, and seating will be by rain ticket only. Any decision to move the ceremony indoors will be made at noon and will be final. Check the DHS website that day for the official notice.
Each graduating senior will receive two rain tickets for admission to the DHS Auditorium with their cap and gown the day before graduation (ticket envelope is white with a blue stripe on it). Lost tickets will not be replaced and seating will be at the discretion of DHS Administrators.
If the ceremony is moved indoors, doors to the Auditorium will open at 4 p.m. and seats are first-come, first-served. Admission to each level of the Auditorium will be limited to the number of seats available on that level (no standing).
Because of the size of the graduating class, most of the lower level of the Auditorium will be used to accommodate the class. Once the ceremony begins all attendees in the Auditorium will be requested to remain in their seats for the duration (i.e., no photography by stage).
Graduation Ceremony Simulcast
Regardless of the weather, the graduation ceremony will be simulcast live in the air-conditioned Main Gymnasium.
Please note this location may not be comfortable for elderly or frail family members as seating is on folding chairs or in the bleachers. On a hot day, this location is ideal for those who are uncomfortable outdoors in the heat.
If the ceremony is moved indoors because of inclement weather, this area will be designated as overflow seating, no tickets required. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
The ceremony will also be simulcast live through the DHS website (Student Life tab, Video on Demand) and on local Channel 78.
Traffic and Parking
Traffic and parking for graduation will be controlled by the Darien Police Department. All traffic must enter via Noroton Avenue, as High School Lane and Nutmeg Lane will be closed. Parking will be very tight, and you may have to park some distance from the stadium field so please budget extra time.
Handicap-accessible parking will be located in the lower parking lot near the stadium field. Let a traffic officer know if you need to park there and you will be directed accordingly.
Smoking at or After Graduation
Smoking is strictly prohibited on campus. Please refrain from smoking on campus at or after the graduation ceremony. This includes cigars! Any smoking product at or after graduation will be confiscated.
Graduation Ceremony Expectations Agreement
The Graduation Ceremony Expectations Agreement will be reviewed with and signed by each senior at the first graduation rehearsal. The text follows:
The Class of 2019 deserves a graduation ceremony that is dignified and memorable, as do their parents, relatives, and friends. It is expected that graduating seniors will act in a mature manner during the graduation ceremony.
By signing this document, you agree to the following:
You will not be under the influence of alcohol or any other illegal substances. You will be removed from the graduation ceremony if you are found to be under the influence of either.
You will be removed and excluded from the remainder of the ceremony if your behavior is disruptive in any manner.
You will dress in a manner appropriate for a ceremonial occasion (collared shirt and tie and long trousers for boys; nice dress or slacks for girls). No shorts. No sneakers or flip- flops. High-heeled or spike heeled shoes are difficult to walk in on the stadium turf field and should be avoided. You will be required to change if your clothing or footwear are not appropriate for the occasion.
You will not decorate your cap and gown in any manner before the ceremony.
You will not carry anything with you into the graduation ceremony.
There is no smoking on the DHS campus. This includes cigars!
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