EHS Seniors and Families:

After a year that did not allow for many of the traditional milestones for seniors, I am beyond thrilled to share our plans for The Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremony and The EHS Senior Recognition Ceremony. The staff at EHS cannot wait to celebrate our seniors in the weeks to come!

Seniors Last Day

We want to ensure that we are not in a situation where a senior is a school close contact and is, therefore, unable to attend commencement. The only way we can guarantee this is to move the last regular day of school for seniors to Monday May 3. Provided we are full time, in-person, next week, this will give our seniors one full day together in the building. If we are still in hybrid, Cohort A will attend on May 3 and Cohort B will attend on May 4).

Senior Exams

Senior exams will be held on May 4 and May 5 (May 5 and May 6 if we are hybrid). If a student has over an 85% in a class, the student is not required to take the final (but can take the exam by choice). If he/she has below an 85% in a class, the student can choose to take the exam to improve the grade. If he/she has below an 85% and chooses to not take the exam, the student will receive the semester grade as the final grade, and no exam score will be calculated.

Senior Recognition Ceremony

This event will highlight the accomplishments of the Class of 2021. Students need to meet in the EHS Auditorium at 8:45 am, wearing gowns and stoles only (no cap). The ceremony will begin at 9:30 AM, following a processional through the building where seniors will be greeted by all EHS students. Every EHS Senior will be introduced and various awards and honors will be shared with students. Students will also be presented with a small gift from the staff at EHS. This event will be livestreamed as we are not able to have family or friends attend in person. You may access the link here to view the ceremony.

Commencement

When: May 18, 2021 at 7 PM
Where: LMCU Ballpark (Google map)

IMPORTANT: Rain Date Thursday, May 20, 2021 @ 7:00 PM

Commencement Tickets

Tickets for commencement will be distributed to students following the Senior Recognition Ceremony on May 17th at the athletic entranceway. Students will each receive eight tickets for the ceremony at LMCU Ballpark. Please submit the Commencement Ticket Order form by Friday, May 7.

Commencement Rehearsal Information

Mandatory Commencement Ceremony Rehearsal at the LMCU Ballpark (formerly 5/3 Ballpark) – 10:00 AM SHARP

(Optional) Senior Breakfast at LMCU Ballpark at 9:30 AM.

The ballpark is located at 4500 West River Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49321. Seniors can park in the Outfield Parking Lot and enter through Gate “C. If you plan to participate in Commencement, you must attend this rehearsal. The practice will last approximately two hours and it helps to ensure that the evening ceremony runs smoothly.

Commencement Ceremony

Seniors Arrive at 6:00 PM (SHARP)

Seniors will enter at Gate C in the Outfield Parking Lot and go to the Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Deck. Seniors only enter through this gate. Once the student is dropped off, families and guests may continue on to park in the Home Plate parking lot and enter through the main entrance. (If your senior drives, he/she will need to park in the Home Plate parking lot and walk to Gate C to enter.)

Doors open at 6:00 PM: Guests, please park in the Home Plate Lot and enter through the Main Entrance. Seats are first come/first serve and masks are required to be worn and 6 ft. of social distancing between family groups and/or guests. The concession stand will be open to purchase food and nonalcoholic beverages. Per the ballpark rules, no outside food or beverage is allowed. Note: The ballpark suggests taking as many of your pictures ahead of time as COVID requires us to not gather in the stadium or at the ballpark after the ceremony.

Commencement Ceremony at 7:00 PM

Note: Recessional – we ask all our families and guests to remain seated during the recessional. Please wait for all the graduates to leave and you may meet your graduate outside of the stadium in the Outfield parking lot.

IMPORTANT: Rain Date Thursday, May 20, 2021 @ 7:00 PM

9:15 pm – Buses will depart for the Class of 2021 All Night Graduation Party from LMCU Ballpark.  If possible, graduation clothes and diplomas should be left with someone following the ceremony.  No bags, purses or cell phones may be brought on the buses. Remember, the only way to go to the party is to get on the yellow limousine one last time.

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 (flat shoes or wedges only); no corsages are to be worn on gowns. Purses should be left with parents or at home.

Gowns – Please steam or press gowns with a cool iron.

Caps – Caps should be worn flat on the head (bobby-pinned if necessary). No decor is allowed on the cap.

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I am not sure our staff has ever looked so forward to a commencement ceremony. Our seniors have had a year like no other class before them, and they deserve to be celebrated in every way. We cannot wait!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Sincerely,

Amy Pallo

LMCU Stadium Map

LMCU Stadium Parking Map

EHS Senior Events & Activites Calendar

Add the EHS Senior Events Calendar to your Google Calendar