Planning for upcoming high school graduation ceremonies: what you need to know
All four area high schools will celebrate graduations next week. But it helps to know in advance where you should be at what times; where to go in case of rain; where to park; and what you should or shouldn’t bring with you. So here is your quick and easy guide to commencement ceremonies.
Veritas Christian School: The smallest of the city’s four high schools, Veritas has the first ceremonies. Commencement for the school’s four graduating seniors will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at the United Methodist Church West Campus, on U.S. Highway 40, just west of the Kansas Highway 10 interchange.
This is an indoor ceremony in a large church setting, so no need to worry about inclement weather. There is plenty of parking and seating available.
Free State High School: Ceremonies are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the football stadium. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Allen Fieldhouse on the Kansas University campus. School officials will announce by 10 a.m. if the event is moved. The announcement will be distributed through the district’s call system and through local media.
Parking is located on the north side of the school. Handicapped parking is available on the west side of the school, and golf carts will be available to transport those who need assistance.
Traffic may be congested, so plan on showing up at least a half hour in advance and watch for pedestrians as you enter and exit.
Audience seating will be in the stands, so it pays to be mindful of the weather. The west side of the stadium has the best shade, while the east side will face into the setting sun. People are allowed to bring in water bottles.
The ceremony is expected to last about an hour. Afterward, friends and families can gather on the field or along the track for photographs.
Lawrence High School: Ceremonies are scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the LHS football stadium. Allen Fieldhouse is also the backup site for Lawrence High in case of inclement weather, and the district will announce by 10 a.m. whether the event is being moved.
Parking is available in the high school parking lot along 19th Street west of Louisiana Street. Handicapped parking will be available on the east side of the stadium, and golf carts will be available to shuttle those who need assistance. Traffic is notoriously congested in that area, so it pays to show up at least 30 minutes early.
Bishop Seabury Academy: The traditional graduation and “stepping up” ceremonies are scheduled for 8 a.m. May 23 in the school gymnasium. That’s earlier than normal, but school officials say they had to accommodate some members of the swim team who will be competing in the state championships in Topeka later that day.
Because of the time and day, school officials advise people to dress as they normally would for work.
Parking is often tight at Seabury. A limited number of spaces are available in the parking lot in front of the school, but many people end up parking along the frontage drive that runs parallel to 23rd Street.
Seating on the floor is reserved for graduating seniors and their families, as well as students taking part in the stepping up ceremony. Public seating is available in the bleachers.
There is no need to bring your own food or drinks to the event. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. The event is expected to last about 90 minutes.