CONGRATULATIONS!!
We are excited for all of you, and we are looking forward to the fun months we have ahead of us.
We want to provide you with information about graduation events and reshare dates and times so you know what is coming up. We also want to share information about commencement, behavior expectations, and dress code. Please note all of these important dates for each of the senior events.
We are excited to celebrate this wonderful time with you and your family.
High School Graduation is a special time, and we look forward to the many fun events ahead!
Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremony
When: Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 7 PM at Calvin University
Where: Spoelhof Fieldhouse in the Van Noord Arena
3195 Knight Way SE, Grand Rapids MI, 49546
Seniors are to arrive no later than 6:00pm.
The commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00pm.
Commencement Tickets (9 per senior)
Before takin ga tour of the Van Noord arena at Calvin University, we thought that we would be able to provide each senior with ten tickets.
Each senior may reserve up to nine (9) commencement tickets based on the facility’s layout and logistics.
Tickets will be digital. In the weeks leading up to the event, we will send our more information on how to reserve tickets.
Caps, Gowns, and Announcements
If you still need to order your cap and gown, please do so immediately. At this point, Jostens cannot guarantee orders placed this late will arrive on time.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are borrowing a cap and gown from a sibling or friend, be sure to order a new stole and tassel.
Commencement Ceremony Pictures
Jim Hill Photography will take individual pictures of the 2023 graduates, which will be available for purchase. We will send a link to preview photos approximately a week after the ceremony.
Scholarships/Awards/Post High School Plans
Students must submit this information by Friday, April 14, 2023, to be included in the Commencement program. Please submit only information for the college you have been accepted to and plan to attend.
2022-23 Senior Exam Waiver Policy
Student Exam Exemption Criteria:
- Students must be passing all classes.
- Students must have an 85% (or higher) in the class he/she is intending to not take the exam.
- Students cannot have any unexcused absences.
- Students cannot have more than two tardies per class.
- Students cannot have violated the student code of conduct.
- Students cannot have received more than one cell phone violation during second semester.
If all of these criteria are met (during second semester), you may waive your exams.
Senior Exam Week / Last Day of School for Seniors (May 8-10):
- Monday, May 8, 2023 – Full day – Zero hour exams
- Tuesday, May 9, 2023 – Full day – 4th, 5th, and 6th hour exams
- Wednesday, May 10, 2023 – SENIORS LAST DAY – 1st, 2nd, 3rd hour exams; seniors excused at 11:04am
Commencement Events
Senior Celebration
12 May 2023 at 6:30 pm
Forest Hills Fine Arts Center
The Senior Class of 2023 and their family members are invited to attend.
Due to limited space seniors will be allowed 4 tickets each for this event. Tickets are digital, please see below.
The evening will include:
- Senior speakers & a staff speaker
- Senior musical performances
- Senior scholarships awarded
- Senior video presentation
- A small reception will be held after the celebration.
- Yearbooks and certificates will be distributed at the reception.
Seniors are to report by 6:00pm.
Seniors should wear FORMAL ATTIRE (NO CAPS OR GOWNS)
Click here to reserve your tickets – 4 max per senior.
Use passcode: HUSKY2023
Only 1 order (of 4 tickets) per student ID# is allowed.
Orders will be monitored; any double orders will be canceled.
Passing of the Light Leadership Assembly
Monday, May 15, 2022, at 9:30 am
Northern High School / North Gym
This event will highlight the accomplishments of the Class of 2023.
Parents and families are invited to attend this very special occasion.
Seniors are to report NO LATER than 8:30am wearing gowns and stoles only (NO CAPS).
- Seniors will pair with juniors and pass the light of leadership.
- School awards will be given at this time.
- A seniors ONLY luncheon will follow the assembly in the South Gym.
The QR code to reserve your Commencement Tickets will be distributed following this event.
SENIOR ELEMENTARY ALMA MATER WALK-THRU – 12:30pm
Seniors are invited to meet up at their Forest Hills alma mater elementary schools to walk through the halls wearing their cap and gown for high-fives with the elementary students.
This is a senior student only event. Our elementary schools have asked that parents not follow their senior to this event as it adds to the traffic and chaos.
Commencement Day
10:00am (sharp) Mandatory Commencement Ceremony Rehearsal at the Van Noord Arena.
Located at 3195 Knight Way SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Seniors are to park in lot 7. Parking Map.
It is mandatory for all seniors to attend this rehearsal if you plan to participate in the commencement ceremony. The practice will last approximately two hours; this helps to ensure that the evening ceremony runs smoothly.
Commencement Evening
6:00pm (sharp) – Seniors arrive at Calvin University. Seniors are to park in lot 7. Parking Map.
6:00pm – Doors open for our guests to arrive. Guests, please park in lots 8, 5, and 4. Seats are first come/first serve.
7:00pm – Commencement Ceremony will begin promptly at 7:00pm.
9:15pm – Graduates board yellow busses one last time to head to the Senior All-Night Party surprise destination. See signup information listed below.
Recessional Note: We ask all our families and guests to remain seated during the recessional. Please wait for all the graduates to exit the arena. You may meet your graduate in the lobby.
Commencement Attire and Behavior
Graduation ceremonies are provided for those who wish to participate. They are dignified occasions, and we are confident that all graduates will dress and act appropriately. Graduates who do not meet the dress requirements will not be permitted to participate in the ceremonies.
Please follow these dress guidelines:
Boys: Dark dress pants (no jeans), collared shirt, tie, dress shoes, and dark socks (no athletic shoes, boots, or sandals).
Girls: Knee/calf-length dress, or skirt/dress slacks and a blouse, dress shoes (no athletic shoes or boots); no corsages are to be worn on gowns. Purses should be left with parents or at home.
Gowns – Should be pressed with a cool iron or steamed.
Caps – Caps are to be worn flat on the head (bobby-pinned if necessary). No decor is allowed on the caps.
Behavior Prior to Graduation
We want to remind our seniors of the importance of making good choices both in and out of school. It is important to keep in mind that any senior who violates FHN/District policies (i.e., use, possession, or sale of drugs or alcohol at any event leading up to commencement), or engages in any type of vandalism or prank at FHN, may impact their ability to participate in graduation ceremonies. Students on school grounds (other than during scheduled supervised activities) may also be subject to legal action. Families and the school must work together to supervise student activities leading up to graduation. We hope that students do not do anything to jeopardize their opportunity to be a part of all of the important and meaningful activities!
2023 Senior All Night Party Registration
Immediately after the commencement ceremony on Tuesday, May 16th, the Class of 2023 will be taken by school bus to a surprise venue for a chaperoned, safe, and fun all-night party. There will be food and activities for all personalities.
After you complete the Google Form and click “submit”, you will be directed to a payment link. Pricing is $75 per ticket. Tickets will be on sale until March 1, 2023.
Please speak with Mrs. Lagazo in the front office or email the board at fhnseniorclass@gmail.com for confidential financial assistance.
Our goal is 100% participation.
SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY REGISTRATION
Senior Party Frequently Asked Questions
Countdown to Commencement
MARCH 6 – 13
Senior Dinner Dance Sign up Week-
Sign-up in a group of 10 people per table. One person in the group is to bring the $300 to
Mrs. Morrison along with your list of names (must include both first and last names).
MARCH 15
Senior Class Meeting – 9:50 am in the auditorium
Jostens to distribute caps, gowns, and announcements in the commons; following the meeting.
MARCH 24
Senior Dinner Dance- 7:00 PM at Egypt Valley.
MARCH 29
Deadline to complete Senior Scholarship Questionnaire.
A link will be sent directly to seniors’ email inboxes on March 1st @4pm from Mrs. Moiz.
APRIL 12
No school seniors due to PSAT/SAT Testing grades 9-11.
APRIL 14
Deadline to complete Post High School Plans form.
APRIL 20 – 21
Auditions for Commencement Ceremony Speakers.
CLICK HERE TO SIGNUP.
APRIL 24 – 28
Prom Tickets will be available for purchase during both lunch periods.
MAY 1- 12
AP Testing window.
MAY 4
Prom Assembly & voting for court- HALF DAY of SCHOOL.
MAY 5
NO SCHOOL
Prom 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at GR Public Museum.
MAY 12
Senior Celebration 6:30 pm at the FAC.
Seniors arrive no later than 6:00 pm.
MAY 15
Passing the Light of Leadership Assembly – 9:30 am North Gym / Northern HS.
Seniors must arrive by 8:30am.
SENIOR EXAM WEEK and LAST DAY FOR SENIORS
May 8 Full-Day Zero hour exams.
May 9 Full-Day 4th, 5th, and 6th hr exams.
May 10 Half-Day SENIORS LAST DAY.
1st, 2nd, 3rd hr exams; seniors excused @ 11:04 am.
2022-23 FHN Senior Exam Waiver Policy
Student Exam Exemption Criteria:
- Students must be passing all classes.
- Students must have an 85% (or higher) in the class they are intending to not take the exam.
- Students cannot have any unexcused absences.
- Students cannot have more than two tardies per class.
- Students cannot have violated the student code of conduct.
- Students cannot have received more than one cell phone violation during second semester.
If all of these criteria are met (during second semester), you may waive your exams.
