Commencement Information for the Class of 2023

Friday, June 2, 2023 6:30 pm

Rain or Shine!

WASHS Administration will begin studying the weather on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 and will share a tentative plan for indoor or outdoor graduation with graduates during practice that day. A final decision about the location of Commencement will be made on Friday, June 2 by 9:00 am. That decision will be shared with graduates at practice and via BoroBlast email to families.

Tickets

  • Each graduate will receive ___ tickets for Commencement.

    • Either color ticket will gain admittance to the stadium.

    • ____ tickets will gain admittance to the gymnasium

    • ____ tickets will gain admittance to the auditorium, where a live stream will be shown

  • Tickets will be given to graduates on the first day of Commencement practice.
    (NOTE: Fines/obligations must be paid before tickets will be distributed).

  • Extra tickets not needed by the graduates family may be returned to the WASHS secretary.

  • Students must complete a Google form to request additional tickets.

  • Handicap seating is available and will be requested via Google form sent to graduates. Handicap tickets will be
    included in the ___ total given to your child.

Gifts for your Graduate

WASHS partners with an outside company called The Commencement Group, who offer fresh flowers and other gifts to celebrate your child's accomplishment. Purchasing these items is optional. Flowers MUST be pre-ordered and will be available for pick up at graduation. The Commencement Group will have other items (necklaces, teddy bears, etc...) available at the ceremony for purchase (cash or credit card) on a first come, first served basis. WASHS receives a portion of the proceeds from these sales, which we use to support the needs of our students throughout the year.

Outdoor Graduation - Buchanan Automotive Stadium behind Waynesboro Area Senior High School

Indoor Graduation - Waynesboro Area Senior High School Gymnasium & Oyer Auditorium

Commencement Logistics

  • Gates/Doors open at 5:30 pm

  • Graduates should arrive by 5:45 pm in the WASHS cafeteria

  • WE WILL NOT BEGIN THE PROCESSION UNTIL ALL GRADUATES HAVE
    ARRIVED.

  • Commencement will be live streamed from the WASD website for family and
    friends who may not be able to attend. Link will be shared via BoroBlast no
    later than Friday, June 2 at 12:00 noon.

Participation in Commencement is reserved for those students who have met or exceeded the WASD and Pa Dept. of Education Requirements for Graduation. Any senior who needs to complete courses during summer school will be invited to participate in the Commencement ceremony along with the Class of 2024.

Dress Expectations

  • All graduates will wear their cap
    & gown

  • Blue gown attire:

    • Dress pants

    • Collared shirt

    • Neck tie or bow tie

    • Socks

    • Dress shoes

  • White gown attire:

    • Light-colored dress or skirt & blouse

    • Dress shoes or sandals (Flats, wedges, or block heels ONLY)

The following items MAY NOT be worn by graduates:

  • Sneakers, work boots, flip flops, shoes with a pointed heel

  • T-shirts

  • Shorts, jeans

Graduates WILL be required to change if they arrive wearing attire that is not permitted.

Please contact the building principal with questions/concerns/needs regarding Commencement attire.

Commencement Practice, Day 1 (Wednesday, May 31)

Arrive between 7:35-7:50 am
@ Oyer Auditorium

  • Arrival & sign-in

  • Class of 2023 Exit Survey

  • Chromebook & charger return

  • Yearbook distribution

  • Distribute tickets

  • Class meeting

    • Commencement logistics

    • Expectations

    • Dress expectations

  • Determine line-up

Class Officers and Speakers will practice their speeches immediately following practice.

All practices will wrap up by 10:30 am. Practices will end earlier if all graduates are on time and are actively listening to instructions!

Commencement Practice, Day 2 (Thursday, June 1)

Arrive between 7:35-7:50 am
@ Oyer Auditorium

ALL GRADUATES WILL NEED THEIR CAP & GOWN FOR CLASS PHOTO

  • Arrival & Sign-In

  • Class photo (hats, sunglasses may not be worn during the photo)

  • Practice Procession & Seating

  • Practice Reading of names
    (class officer)

  • Brief meeting about
    Baccalaureate
    (for those attending)

  • Following Commencement practice, seniors have the option to participate in the annual Senior Walk. Buses will be provided to/from WASD Elementary Schools (Fairview, Hooverville, Mowrey, Summitview) and St. Andrews

Commencement Practice, Day 3 (Friday, June 2)

Arrive between 7:35-7:50 am
@ Buchanan Auto Stadium

  • Full run of ceremony

We will be OUTSIDE following the class photo, weather permitting. Graduates are encouraged to bring a hat or sunglasses, wear sunscreen, and bring water.