Commencement Ceremony 2023
When: Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 7 PM
Where: Calvin University – Van Noord Arena
3195 Knight Way SE, Grand Rapids MI, 49546
Staff will be collecting tickets at the door.
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
Caps, Gowns, and Announcements
Jostens will be here on Wednesday, March 15, at 9:50am in the FHN auditorium. During the senior meeting, Josten’s will be here to distribute caps, gowns, and other items that were previously ordered. If your senior cannot attend the meeting, they may pick up their items in the main office.
Commencement Tickets
Each senior will receive 10 tickets when all his/her obligations have been paid. A list of obligations will be emailed to parents and students following senior exams. Obligations can be paid in the office. Tickets will be provided to your senior immediately following the Passing of the Light Assembly on May 15, 2023, in the North Gym.
Scholarships/Awards/Post High School Plans
Students must submit this information by Friday, April 24, 2023, to be included in the Commencement program. Please submit only information for the college you have been accepted to and plan to attend.
Commencement Events
Senior Celebration
12 May 2023 at 6:30 pm
Fine Arts Center
The class of 2023 will attend with family members (seniors will be given 4 tickets each to attend this event)
Seniors are to report no later than 6:00 pm.
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.
- Yearbook distribution
Seniors should wear…Formal Attire
Passing of the Light Assembly
Monday, May 15, 2022, at 9:30 am
Northern High School / North Gym
Please enter through the North Gym doors.
Seniors should report wearing Gowns and Stoles only (no caps) no later than 8:30 am.
The assembly will be at 9:30 am.
Attendance: Parents and families are encouraged to attend this very special occasion. Seniors (only) luncheon will follow the recognition ceremony in the South Gym.
Tickets for the Commencement Ceremony will be distributed to seniors in the south gym following this event.
Commencement Day
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Calvin University – Van Noord Arena
10:00 am (sharp) – Rehearsal for Commencement – will begin at 10:00 am on May 16, immediately following Senior Breakfast, at Calvin University – Van Noord Arena.
If you plan to participate in Commencement, you must attend this practice. It will last no more than two hours if students are on time, attentive, and cooperative.
Commencement Evening
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Calvin University – Van Noord Arena
6:00 pm (sharp)- Seniors must be in the dressing area. Seniors are to parking in lot 7
7:00 pm – Commencement Ceremony will start promptly at 7:00 pm.
After graduation, seniors may pick up their diplomas from their counselor in the lobby.
9:00 pm – Departure for All-Night Party
Seniors will depart from Calvin at approximately 9:00 pm for the All-Night Party. Students are reminded to bring clothes to wear to the party. If possible, graduation clothes and diplomas should be left with someone following the ceremony.
Senior Recognition and 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 & Stoles – Please steam or press gowns with a cool iron. They are very wrinkled when you take them out of the packaging.
Caps – Caps should be worn flat on the head (bobby-pinned if necessary). No decor is allowed on the cap.
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. It is important that families and the school work together to supervise student activities leading up to graduation. It is our hope that students do not do anything to jeopardize their opportunity to be a part of all of the important and meaningful activities!
We are so excited to celebrate this wonderful time with you and your family. High School Graduation is such a special time, and we look forward to the many fun events ahead!
