Dear Seniors, Senior Parents, and MPHS Faculty,
As we are quickly approaching graduation, we would like to inform everyone of all the upcoming activities for the class of 2026. This is the culmination of the senior’s K-12 academic career and a reason to celebrate! Monday, May 18, 2026 will be the last scheduled academic day for seniors. Please review the following information to help make the most out of the remainder of the year.
Senior Class Trip: Seniors and their Seminar Advisors will be traveling to Lake McBride on Wednesday, May 13 for the annual class trip. Seniors will need to report to the high school by 8:30. We will meet in the cafeteria and then will load buses in front of the high school. We will return to the building at approximately 2:30 pm. Additional details will be shared during Seminar.
Senior Final Exams: Seniors will take final exams in Blocks 3 and 4 on Friday, May 15 and final exams for Blocks 1 and 2 on the morning of Monday, May 18.
iPads: Seniors will turn in iPads and all other school issued equipment following Block 2 on May 18. Please be sure your iPad is updated and fully charged. Students missing items will need to pay for replacements prior to graduation.
Senior Checkout Sheets: Seniors will receive checkout sheets on Friday, May 15. All classes and departments will sign checkout sheets by Monday, May 18. Seniors can get their Block 1 and 2 teachers to sign checkout sheets during the testing time on Monday. Bring your completed checkout sheet to commencement practice.
Lockers: Senior class advisors will check lockers on Friday, May 15. Lockers must be clean with no tape or writing on them. All items must also be removed from PE lockers. Senior advisors will initial the checkout sheets.
Bills/Fees: All bills and fees owed to the school must be cleared before checkout sheets will be signed. This includes book fees, fines for damaged or lost books, etc. Staff will not sign the checkout sheet unless the fine or fee has been paid.
Commencement Rehearsal (Monday, May 18-MPHS Gymnasium): Lunch will be provided to all graduates. All Seniors who are participating in the ceremony are required to attend practice to ensure a great graduation commencement ceremony. Seniors who graduated early need to report to the gym at 11:15 on May 18 for practice. Seniors with 3.33 GPA or above will wear a medallion that will be awarded at Senior Awards Night. Members of the National Honor Society will wear pennant overlays. Silver Cord recipients will be given their cord at Senior Awards Night. If everyone cooperates, we will be finished quickly. We appreciate your cooperation in advance.
Graduate Walk: At 12:45 on May 18, all graduates will load buses and visit both elementaries and the middle school for a graduation walk. Graduates will wear caps and gowns and walk the halls one last time and be congratulated by our younger students. We will return to the high school at approximately 2:00.
Senior Awards Night : Senior Awards Night will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00 pm in the high school cafeteria. Conduct yourself with pride and dignity. Dress professionally and remember this night is meant to recognize you for your accomplishments. The Class of 2026 will be seated in chairs on the floor and organized by Seminar. As you arrive, find your Seminar’s designated area. Attendance is required for students to earn the Gold Scholarship.
Graduation Commencement (Sunday, May 24 @ 1:30-MPHS Gymnasium):
Seniors will meet in the cafeteria by 12:30.
We will line up in the cafeteria and proceed to the hallway by the elevator.
When marching in, take your time to allow for pictures to be taken.
After you get to your seat, remain standing for the National Anthem. Gentlemen, please remember to remove your caps. When it is time for the introductions of the seniors, Mrs. Rediger will come to the podium. This will be the cue for the first group to stand and wait until you are called forward to receive your diploma as directed in rehearsal. After receiving your diploma, the turning of the tassel will be done by your Seminar advisor. Graduates will present a flower to their parent/guardian and then return to their seat.
If by some chance, you are given the incorrect diploma, simply accept it and return to your seat. We will correct it after the ceremony.
After the ceremony is complete, you will march out in pairs and line up in front of the school for a class picture. In case of rain, we will go to the cafeteria.
Important Graduation Information: Doors will open to the public at noon. Graduation is intended to be a formal ceremony which allows the graduate and their family to celebrate their accomplishment and launch them into the next phase of their lives. The expectations below will help to ensure we have a great ceremony.
At practice, please listen and follow directions.
Keep the robe hung at all times and press with a cool iron.
Decoration of your cap is not allowed.
Only pre-approved cords will be allowed to be worn during the ceremony.
Please be on time. We will start promptly at 1:30.
Girls, you may need some hair pins of some kind to hold the cap in place.
The caps should be placed on the head so that the mortarboard is level. The front of the cap is indicated on the inside. Please write your name on the inside of your cap. Gentlemen should remove caps during the National Anthem.
Have the tassel on the RIGHT side of the mortarboard cap at the start of the ceremony.
After you are congratulated by Mr. Stone and Mr. Banks, your advisor will move your tassel to the LEFT side.
Girls may find it practical to wear a simple, lightweight dress and boys should wear a white or light colored shirt and slacks. A tie is strongly recommended. Shorts, jeans, or flip-flops will not be allowed.
After the ceremony concludes, we will move to the front lawn for a picture.
SMILE--Your family and friends are very proud of all of your accomplishments.
Please contact the office if you have any questions or need support in any way. We are all excited to help make the last few days of high school positive and memorable for the class of 2026! Go Hawks!
Regards,
Chuck Banks
MPHS Principal