April 29, 2025
Dear Class of 2025 and Families,
Now that it is almost May it is time to begin thinking about our graduation week and all of the fun things we have planned to celebrate our seniors. This is a special time but it can also be stressful as you plan for life after high school. We understand all of the emotions that will come up from students and their families so we want to make this as smooth as possible for everyone so that you can all enjoy our final moments together as Wildcats. If you or your family need any special accommodations, please reach out.
The following information will give you an outline of and the expectations for scheduled events. There is a calendar that you can print or screenshot, and explanations of each as you move through this document. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Monday, May 5
We will send out our Google Form for marching partners for all seniors. This will be an opportunity for students to select a person to walk with at Convocation and Graduation. If students do not know who they would like to march with, they will be able to indicate that on the form. Everyone needs to fill out the form, despite their marching partner status.
Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20
These are our last regular school days for seniors. They will attend all of their scheduled classes. On Tuesday, they will join their Pride leaders to have a final treat together and will be given their caps and gowns.
Wednesday, May 21 - Thursday, May 29
We begin our senior final exams on Wednesday, May 21. Students will attend during their scheduled block time and should plan to leave YHS after their exam. Students do not need to attend study hall blocks, but may need to attend Academic Service blocks. If a student needs to make up a final exam, they need to connect with their teacher. Students without passing grades (for graduation requirements) by June 3 will not be able to participate in marching practice until they have earned the credit.
Monday, June 2
We kick off our celebration week with the Senior Banquet at the Red Barn at Outlook Farm (310 Portland St, South Berwick, ME) at 6:00 PM. This is an event just for our seniors, school staff, and administrators. It is a fun night where we can celebrate accomplishments, watch the senior slideshow, and eat together. In the past, students have elected to wear shirts and ties, dresses and skirts, in order to make the event just a little more special, but it is not required. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be announced at this event.
Tuesday, June 3
This is our first day of Marching Practice, and it is scheduled for 10:00-11:30 in the York Community Auditorium (YCA). Students should plan to attend the full-time. If we are able to get through everything we need to, then we will be able to leave early. It is important to attend Marching Practice so that students know where they are sitting during Convocation and Graduation, plus we will run through both events to ease the jitters.
Wednesday, June 4
We have our second day of Marching Practice from 10:00-11:30 in the YCA. Again, if everything goes smoothly, then we will not need to stay for the entire time.
Convocation is at 6:00 in the YCA. This is our Senior Awards Ceremony and we look forward to celebrating the Senior Class with families, friends, and faculty. Students will be wearing their caps, gowns, and any cords or stoles they have received. Students need to arrive by 5:30, and we will meet in the Chorus Room.
Thursday, June 5
This is our final day of Marching Practice at 10:00-11:30 and we will hopefully be able to get outside to the field. We will be serving a light breakfast on the field at 9:30, so students can plan to come early to have a little bit to eat before the day begins.
We will be going back to visit all of the York Schools at 11:45. We will depart on buses from YHS and head to the different schools to say hello to the younger students and former teachers. Students will need to wear their caps, gowns, and any cords or stoles they have received. This is a fun event that everyone loves.
Friday, June 6
We have made it to Graduation Day! If everything goes smoothly with the weather our Graduation Ceremony will take place on the York High School Lower Field at 6:00 PM. There is not a limited number of seats if we are outside. If a member of your family needs handicapped parking or seating, please reach out to Stephanie DeMartini (sdemartini@yorkschools.org) before Monday, June 2. We will give handicap passes to the seniors during marching practice.
Seniors need to be in the YHS Library between 5:15-5:30 PM with their caps, gowns, and any cords or stoles they have received. Students can wear polos, shirts and ties, dresses and skirts, and shoes that can be worn comfortably on the grass.
If we have to move our Graduation Ceremony inside due to inclement weather, we will make that announcement as soon as possible. We understand that this is not ideal, and our hope is for a sunny, beautiful afternoon to celebrate the Class of 2025. However, if we do need to have an indoor ceremony, this will take place in the YHS Gymnasium. Students will be given eight tickets for family members to attend. These tickets will be given out on the last day of Marching Practice, if necessary. Graduation will not be live-streamed, but we will be recording the event. This will be posted on our school and district website.
At the end of our Graduation Ceremony (after all of the caps have been tossed and pictures have been taken), students are asked to return their gowns and blue stoles before leaving the stadium field. There will be check-off lists and bins available for easy drop-off.
Next up, we have our Project Graduation beginning at 8:30 PM. This is a fun, chem-free night that is sponsored by YORKWISE and gives our seniors one final night to spend together as classmates. We will have a busy night packed with top-secret events (truly, the surprise is part of the fun). Because this is such a late event, students are not able to drive themselves and must be dropped off and picked up. Pick up is Saturday, June 7 at 2:00 AM. Students will receive more information regarding this event as we get closer to June.
And that’s it! We look forward every year to celebrating our Senior Class and giving them the best send-off we possibly can. Please reach out if you have any questions as we move closer to the end of the year.
Thanks,
Amanda