Preparing for Graduation Ceremonies

May 23rd, 2024

Graduation ceremonies are a wonderful culmination of the dedication, determination, and perseverance exhibited by thousands of HCPSS students, staff, and families. The Class of 2024 ceremonies begin Thursday, May 23 and run through Friday, May 31. Please visit the HCPSS website for more comprehensive information related to graduation ceremonies.

Please be aware of the following:

Prior to the ceremony:

• Graduating seniors should be inside the Merriweather pavilion at least 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
• All clothing worn by graduates must be appropriate for a school sponsored ceremony. Non-school related decorations on caps or gowns will not be permitted.
• Allow sufficient time to find parking and walk to the venue. Parking maps and details are available online.
• All guests, including parents/guardians and family members, must have tickets to enter the venue.

During the ceremony:

• Please refrain from using air horns and other noisemakers. Do not block the aisles or stand up in front of others. Balloons and signs are not permitted.
• Limit applause when your graduate’s name is called so the audience can hear the next graduate’s name. This is a wonderful celebration for all families and we don’t want anyone to miss their graduate’s name being read.
• There are to be no protests permitted on Merriweather Post Pavilion property by any graduates or guests. This includes clothing and other ways of expression.
• All ceremonies will be streamed live on the HCPSS website. Videos will remain on the HCPSS website until next year’s graduations, or can be accessed permanently on the HCPSS YouTube channel. Additionally, HCPSS will rebroadcast the graduations on Howard County cable channels 42 (Verizon) and 95 (Comcast). Complete information on watching the ceremonies, including a rebroadcast schedule, is available online.
• At the conclusion of the ceremony, please depart Merriweather in a timely fashion. There are multiple ceremonies per day and the venue and parking areas must be cleared for incoming guests.

Finally, enjoy this very special time! Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2024!