25/26 Graduation/Senior Information

Cap and Gown Order Link

FREDERICK DOUGLASS HIGH SCHOOL

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are tickets required for graduation?

Tickets are not required for graduation.

• Are there sections with accessible seating?

Sections 22, 23, 30, 32 and 33 has accessible seating available at the top of the section. Seating is first come, first serve.

• Is there a limit to the amount of guests a student can have?

There is no limit. Again, seating is first come, first serve.

• When do students find out where they will be sitting?

Students will find out where they are sitting at graduation practice. We are unable to release

that information prior to practice.

• What is a senior graduation walk?

Students have the opportunity to walk the halls of their elementary school one last time.

Please refer to the document linked below for times. All walks are held on May 29, 2026. This

is a live document and information is added as we receive it.

Linked here

• Do we have to come to graduation practice?

YES! If you want to walk at graduation at Rupp Arena you MUST be at practice.

Attendance will be taken at graduation practice.

In Case You Missed It

• Linked here is the graduation letter sent out last Wednesday.

• Linked here is the Senior Grad Walk at the elementary schools.

We will send out attendance procedures for the senior grad walks at a later date.

• School email & cloud drives - Save docs you don't want to lose. Create a personal email.

• High school transcripts - request a final transcript from Parchment and select "Hold for final grades." Order now while it's still FREE.

• Colleges will hold financial support if they do not receive a final transcript.

• Dual Credit Transcripts - must be requested from the institutions and sent to the college the student has committed to.

Upcoming Events

Then and Now Photos

• •  Due Friday, May 15, 2026

  • fdhs26seniorpics@gmail.com

  • Final day to turn in Then and Now photos to display at Rupp. Submissions will not be accepted after this date.

  • Include your name in the subject line how you want it displayed at Rupp Arena.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

• Senior Class Meeting

  • Advisory in the Auditorium

  • Reviewing information that has been sent out.

Senior Sunset

• Sunday May 17, 2026

• 7:30PM - 9:00PM

• FDHS Football Field

• Please contact Iris Isaacs for questions.

Chromebook and Library Books

• May 29, 2026

• All Chromebooks and library books due. You cannot walk in graduation unless these are returned or fines are paid on the items. chromebooks will be turned in to advisory teachers.

Senior Grad Walk

• May 29, 2026 

Times Vary

• Elementary Schools

Graduation Practice

• June 3, 2026

• 8:25AM - 11:30AM

• FDHS Main Gym

• Begin in cafeteria & bring your badge.

Senior Arrival for Graduation

• June 4, 2026

• 8:30AM - 9:30AM

• Doors close at 9:30AM

Graduation

• June 4, 2026

• 10:00AM

• Rupp Arena

Class of 2026 Graduation Information

Graduation will be held on June 4, 2026 and Rupp Arena. You may not participate in graduation if you do not attend graduation practice. Graduates must arrive at Rupp Arena by 8:30AM on graduation day.

Graduation Practice
Practice will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 8:30 - 11:30AM. Students are asked to report to the cafeteria by 8:25AM to ensure all requirements are met to walk at graduation. Students will proceed to the main gym for practice after checking those requirements. 

• Practice is MANDATORY if you wish to participate in the graduation ceremony at Rupp Arena. You must remain at practice until we are complete.

• All fees must be paid before practice begins. Please check your School Cash Online account for:

  • Library Fees

  • Chromebook & Charger Fees

  • School Fees

• Mandatory Senior Surveys must also be completed prior to graduation practice. 

  • Senior Transition Survey - https://tinyurl.com/SeniorTransition26 

  • College & Scholarship Survey - https://tinyurl.com/26CollegeScholarshipSurvey 

Graduation Arrival and Ceremony
On Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 10AM, Frederick Douglass’ graduation ceremony will take place at the Central Bank Center inside Rupp Arena. Guests and Families can enter Rupp beginning at 8:30AM.

• Seniors will enter through the High Street entrance. There will be a sign and staff members by the door. Doors close promptly at 9:30AM. No graduate will be admitted after this time and will not be allowed to walk, no exceptions. 

• The guest entrance is on the Vine Street side near the Hyatt. The doors will open at 8:30AM. 

Rupp Arena Security & Guest Policies

To ensure a safe and respectful environment for all families, Rupp Arena enforces the following strict policies:

• Security Screening: Everyone entering the arena (graduates and guests) will pass through security metal detectors.

• Clear Bag Policy: Patrons may only have one clear bag (no larger than 12"x12"x6") or one small clutch purse, with or without handle or strap (no larger than 4.5"x 6.5") for their personal items.  Please leave all large purses or opaque bags at home or in your vehicle. All bags and items will be searched.

• Prohibited Items: To ensure every family can hear their graduate's name, noise makers (including air horns), are strictly prohibited. The following items are also not allowed inside Rupp Arena. These items will be confiscated at the door.

  • Items on a stick (ie fat heads)

  • Tripods and selfie sticks

  • Confetti poppers

  • Balloons  (balloons must be left OUTSIDE, they are not permitted inside the lobby and will be left at the risk of the owner)

  • Glass or ceramic vases

Rupp Arena Parking
Parking will be free for vehicles with a graduate in it. Graduates will need to have their cap and gown visible for this to happen. All other vehicles will be charged $12.72 (12+tax). Payment is by card or exact change.

Dress Code

• You must have a Jostens issued cap and gown to participate. 

• Only school approved cords and stoles will be allowed. These are given to you by FDHS staff.

• Caps cannot be decorated.

• Appropriate attire is required to walk in graduation. 

Broadcast Stations and Platforms:

• Ceremonies will be available on YouTube #FCPSKY  

• No DVD copies will be available

• For questions email us:  creativemediateam@fayette.kyschools.us

* For questions regarding graduation dress code, please contact Mrs. Jeana Soaper.
** If you need assistance obtaining the required graduation clothing, please reach out to Ms. Desiree Marshall.
***If you plan to wear heels, please practice walking in them ahead of time, as stairs must be navigated before reaching the ceremony location.

Senior Dates

Please add any dates you can think of along with relevant information. Iris will send them out on ParentSquare before spring break. After break, we’ll send the calendar to seniors once the graduation date is set. Thank you!

Date                      Time                          Event                                                         Comments

3/18                     3rd Block                    Cap and Gown Pick-Up                                   At concession         

4/18                     7:00pm - 11pm           Prom “ A night under the stars”                                                The Manchester Reserve

5/1                       9:00 am                      Senior Signing Day                                          Main Gym                 

5/4                       EOD                            Photos and names submitted for grad         fdhs26seniorpics@gmail.com  

5/17                     7:30pm-9pm               Senior Sunset                                                   Football Field           

5/18                     6PM                            Senior Awards                                                   Main Gym                 

5/29                    TBD                             GME Senior Walk                                                                                 

5/29                    TBD                            Coventry Oak Senior Walk                                                                   

5/29                    10AM                           Meadowthorpe Senior Walk                                                                

5/29                    1:30PM                        ACE Senior Walk