As seniors finish up their final week at Oswego High School, information regarding graduation has been a hot topic among the class of 2023. On April 28, administration sent an email to seniors, linking a Google document with the information surrounding graduation.
Leading up to the graduation ceremony, graduates attend a mandatory graduation practice on
May 19, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Main Gym at OHS. Graduates are expected to show up by 8:45 a.m. to meet the practice start time, and enter through door 13 or door 35.
“Those who plan to attend the ceremony have historically attended graduation practice as it greatly assists with the look of a fluid, organized and dignified ceremony,” Vice Principal Brian Cooney said.
After graduation practice, seniors are invited to attend a senior picnic, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the OHS football stadium. Chick-Fil-A lunches can be bought in advance for $12.61 here.
The graduation ceremony for OHS students will be on May 20 at 3 p.m., and held at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center in DeKalb, Illinois. Graduates are expected to be at NIU by 2 p.m. when the doors open, and administration alerts students to plan around the busy traffic that is expected around NIU at the time. In previous years, guests have had to purchase tickets, however there will be no tickets for entry this year.
Students must bring the school issued gown and collar, cap, tassel, and any medals or earned cords that they earned to graduation. Gowns and caps cannot be altered in any way. Students who received medals are instructed to wear their metals under their collar, and cords are to be worn over the collar. Any students who don’t follow the directions or don’t remain properly dressed as explained during the practice will be removed from the ceremony.
Graduates and guests who attend the ceremony are instructed to enter through door 1 or door 3. Parking for the Convocation Center will be in lots C1 and C2.
Guests are also instructed to follow NIU’s rules and restrictions, including prohibited items to bring to the ceremony. Prohibited items include purses, diaper bags, laptop bags, camera bags, backpacks, duffels, fanny packs, wrapped gifts and gift bags, helium balloons, laser pointers of any kind; coolers, bottles, cans, containers, or projectiles; weapons, flammables, or other potentially dangerous items; aerosol containers or any pressurized container; horns, noisemakers, or whistles; any illegal substances; posters, banners, or signs on sticks; golf umbrellas; tripods, monopods, selfie sticks; outside food and beverages; and strollers.
Clear bags that do not exceed 12” x 12” x 6” and small purses that don’t exceed 5.5” x 8.5” are allowed to be brought in, and exceptions will be made for medical necessities. Sealed 20-oz or smaller bottles may be brought into the building; however, any food or open drink will be asked to be thrown away by NIU security.
Seating for the event will be first-come, first-served, and seat-saving will not be allowed. ADA seating will be available on the decks around the perimeter of the area, and sign language interpreters will be present during the ceremony as well, and will be most visible from seating section 101.
Administration strongly hopes and expects that students follow the guidelines and regulations for graduation to ensure that all graduates can ensure a safe and fun ceremony.
I am a junior at OHS. This is my first year on staff as a news reporter and editor. I am interested in the gym and video games.
