Q & A about Commencement 2025
When may I pick up my cap and gown?
Graduation requirements must be met before you may pick up your cap and gown. Cap and gown pickup will be in the main office on Monday, May 19th during the lunch periods.
When is the commencement ceremony?
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Where will Commencement be held?
Commencement will be held in the Don Dalton Stadium or BHS gymnasium with the final location to be decided based on weather on Thursday, May 22nd.
How do I get tickets to attend the commencement?
Each graduate will be required to fill out a Google Form with the names of their 6 allotted guests. Then tickets will be given to the graduate during the Cap and Gown handout. Names will be checked and tickets collected at the door prior to the ceremony.
Is attendance limited?
Students are allowed up to 6 guests. Only guests listed on the Google Form and with a ticket will be admitted.
What do I need to know about Commencement Practice?
Practice is on Friday, May 23rd at 7:15am during Advisory; students should report directly to the Auditorium for practice. Seniors must turn in their Chromebook and charger during Advisory on Thursday, 5/22.
- We will go over some graduation ceremony followed by the order of the procession. Students will line up in order and proceed to the practice area.
- Students will also practice crossing the stage.
What time do I need to be at school and where do I report for Commencement?
Seniors report to the auditorium at 5:00 PM on Friday, May 23rd
Do I get my diploma when I cross the stage?
You will receive a diploma cover when you cross the stage. You must pick up your actual diploma immediately following the ceremony. Diplomas are not mailed home. If you forget to pick up your diploma at graduation, you may pick it up in the BHS Main Office during normal Summer office hours (Monday through Thursday, 8am-12pm).
When do I get my Laude cord?
Students who have earned Cum Laude receive a silver cord to wear during commencement. Students who have earned Magna Cum Laude receive a gold cord to wear during commencement. Students who have earned Summa Cum Laude receive a white cord to wear during commencement. Cords will be handed out with cap and gowns on May 19th. Seniors may keep their honor cords at a purchase price of $10. Students will be sent further instructions about this 2 weeks prior to graduation.
What guidelines are expected from graduates and their guests during the ceremony?
We take great pride in holding a quality graduation ceremony for your student. The traditional graduation hat and gown are part of what make it a formal ceremony. Common courtesy and expectations include no decorating hats or gowns other than special recognition cords, medals, and stoles, listening while the speakers are talking, and while the names of each of the graduates are being read. Refrain from the use of cell phones and/or other noisemakers that interfere with others being able to hear. Refrain from throwing objects (beach balls, silly string, etc) at any time during the ceremony. Burlington High School takes pride in providing a quality graduation ceremony for your student’s thirteen years of work. Please save the celebration for afterward.
Can I decorate my graduation cap?
As outlined above, it's customary and expected that caps and gowns remain undecorated. The reasoning behind this is to honor and celebrate graduation collectively as a class. While students are free to personalize their caps for other occasions outside of the official ceremony, decorations are not permitted during the event itself. If a student brings a decorated cap with them to the ceremony, they will be asked to keep their decorated cap in the school building and borrow one from the school.
How long will the ceremony be?
Plan for 1 hour 30 min.
Where will guests be seated?
Guests will be seated in the bleachers at the Don Dalton Stadium. Both venues will have a number of spaces available for wheelchairs. The Ceremony will be live-streamed on
(If outside) Burlington Demons - Don Dalton Stadium
(If inside) Burlington Demons
Is there a dress code for graduates and their guests?
The school board has considered enforcing a dress code. However, seniors have assured the School Board members that they can act appropriately without a strict dress code (i.e. collared shirts and dress pants for boys, closed toe shoes, etc). While there is not a strict dress code for students and their guests, school–appropriate school attire is expected (Business Casual is recommended).
What are the guidelines for taking pictures at graduation?
A professional photographer will be taking pictures after students receive their diplomas, which you will be able to purchase online. All other photographs during the ceremony must be taken from the stands.
Another reminder to SENIORS:
The expectation is to maintain a professional learning culture though the end of the semester. Students who are involved in any illegal activity or an activity that is destructive or harmful OR potentially destructive or harmful to property and/or others will be excluded from participation in the ceremony.
If you have any questions regarding graduation please contact the BHS Main Office at 262-763-0200 ext 0. We are looking forward to a special day filled with wonderful memories for graduates, their families, and their friends.
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