Graduation Day

Last Updated 01.06.26

Location

The Commencement of Prospect High School will be held Sunday, May 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, IL.

Graduate Arrival and Ceremony Time

• Graduates should report to Door 11 of the NOW Arena at 12:45 p.m.  Guests will enter at the Main Entrance.

• Graduates should leave all valuables at home.

• The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. and last approximately 1½ hours.

Dress Code

• For the safety of the students participating in the commencement ceremony as they walk across the stage, graduates are expected to follow the guidelines for acceptable dress. Students not adhering to this dress code will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony.

• Girls: Dress, skirt and top, or dress slacks and top are all appropriate.  Jeans or shorts are unacceptable.

• Boys: Collared shirt (optional tie), dress slacks, and dress shoes.  Jeans or shorts are unacceptable.

Caps, Gowns and Diplomas

• Graduates may keep their gowns, caps and tassels.

• Diplomas are received during the ceremony.

FAQs:

How many graduation tickets will I get? Can I get more?

• Tickets are NOT required to attend the graduation ceremony at the NOW Arena.  Families may bring as many guests as they wish.

When do the doors open on May 24th? 

• Doors to the NOW Arena open at 1:00 pm for Prospect High School's graduation.  All graduates and spectators will pass through metal detectors.  Graduates should have their gowns unzipped during the security screening.  All spectators entering the Arena will go through both a security screening and a bag check.  Spectators will enter through Door #1.  Graduates will enter through Door #11 in the back of the building.

Can we bring balloons? 

• No balloons are allowed in the arena during the ceremony. Please keep them in your car for after the ceremony.

Where is parking? Is there handicap parking?

• There is plenty of parking available at the NOW Arena.  Attendants will be on duty to assist with parking. Handicapped parking will be located near the main entrance (Door #1). Only vehicles with an official handicapped tag will be permitted to park in this area. 

Is handicapped seating available at the NOW Arena?

• There are multiple seating areas for handicapped individuals. A staff member will assist with seating. There is only enough room for one family member to sit with the handicapped individual in the designated handicapped areas.

Can I get up and take pictures as my child walks across the stage? 

• No.  Prospect High School has contracted a professional photographer to take pictures of every graduate as they walk across the stage. The company will contact every family with the opportunity to purchase copies of the photographs. Please do not stand, as this may block the view of other spectators.  See the photography page for more information.