Embedded Files
Celebrating Senior Year
Celebrating Senior Year
Senior Parking Lot
Senior Parking Lot
Please print out and follow directions on the document. You can also find a hard copy in the Bookstore.
Senior Portrait Information
Senior Portrait Information
No Charge Option
No Charge Option
All Seniors are provided the option to have their Senior pictures taken on the same day as our scheduled "Picture Day."
This year our school wide picture day is August 7, 2025. All student's pictures will be taken through their English class. If your student does not have an English class they may take it either before or during lunch on August 7th.
Paid Studio Options
Paid Studio Options
To set up your studio appointment, please visit www.southwestportraits.com. You will click on "Senior Portraits" and then start the process to book you session.
Gearing Up for Post-Secondary Life
Gearing Up for Post-Secondary Life
Please check back regularly for any updates as the school year progresses.
Senior Meeting Information
Senior Meeting Information
July 25, 2025
July 25, 2025
Need to pay a fee?
Need to pay a fee?
Valedictorian and Salutatorian Selection Process
Valedictorian and Salutatorian Selection Process
To give all students an equal opportunity to become their school's valedictorian or salutatorian, Gilbert Public Schools will use the following guidelines:
Class rank will be used to determine the valedictorian/salutatorian distinction. In addition, recognition will be made for the students who are in the top 1% of their class. Weighted classes will be included when determining class rank and will be identified on a student's transcript.
Foreign exchange students will not be eligible for the valedictorian or salutatorian position.
Mid-year graduates will not be eligible for the valedictorian or salutatorian position.
The valedictorian and salutatorian must have taken a minimum of twelve and one-have (12.5) credits (25 semester courses) at the high school from which they are graduating and must be enrolled in a minimum of five (5) class periods (full time status) per semester.
Expected Timeline for Selection:
In early January 2026, the top 2% will be recognized for their achievement. They will also be invited to submit a speech application to our Graduation Speech Selection Committee so that they can be potentially selected to speak at graduation.
On May 21st, 2026, after all Senior Finals are completed, the top 2% will be invited for the announcement of the valedictorian and the salutatorian. Those students will be announced and recognized the next day at graduation practice, as well as given their official MHS Valedictorian Stole or their MHS Salutatorian Stole. They will also be recognized at the graduation ceremony as well as provided two graduation programs that include their names as being recognized for valedictorian and salutatorian.
Graduation Speech Selection Process
Graduation Speech Selection Process
Graduation Speech Guidelines
1. There may be up to three (3) speeches for the graduation
a. The Senior Class President will give a history of the class and will lead the turning of the tassels.
b. One Top Academics (out of the top 2%) speech may be selected from those who audition to be delivered at the graduation.
c. There will be one other student speech selected from anyone in the senior class of whom auditions. This may also maybe anyone from the top 2 % or any other senior student.
2. The speeches may not exceed three (3) minutes in length.
a. Each speech described under “b” and “c” above must be delivered by one person
b. The speeches should be positive in nature and reflective of high school experiences.
i. Avoid being too personal or political: your audience is large and includes parents, grandparents, school staff, and fellow graduates. Consider this is an important moment for everyone
ii. Avoid clichés such as “doors to the future” or “our time to fly.” Make it unique to the MHS experience and your genuine feelings on this occasion.
iii. Do not give a class history or long welcome; these are presented by class presidents.
iv. Be sure you have a real message. What kind of words of wisdom or insight can you offer your class and audience? What are some big lessons you have learned that will guide your future?
c. Topics to consider:
Gratitude
Setting Goals
Impactful Events
Believe in Yourself
Shared Memories
Change the World
Looking Ahead to the Future
Importance of Being Mindful
Overcoming Obstacles
The Journey
3. Speech Submissions: Due May 1, 2026 to the MHS Class of 2026
4. Speech Auditions: May 5th and 6th
Graduation Ceremony
Graduation Ceremony
May 21, 2026-7pm @
May 21, 2026-7pm @
The MHS Wildcat Stadium
The MHS Wildcat Stadium
Gates open up for general seating at 5:45pm. There is no limit to the amount of guests a graduate can invite.
Limited handicap seating and interpreter accommodations are provided for the Commencement. In early May 2026, a Google Form will be sent out to collect information from graduate families needing these accommodations.
Appropriate Commencement Attire
Appropriate Commencement Attire
The following dress code/rules will apply to both Baccalaureate and Graduation:
Students should arrive at the venue by the designated time CARRYING their gown.
Students should not put their gown on until AFTER they have checked in with their line leaders.
Students will not be allowed to carry any unauthorized items with them onto the football field.
DRESS: It is a Formal event. You will have your cap and gown ~ but you still need to be dressed in semi-forma attire underneath. No flip flops or beach type sandals. Girl's, please be careful with heels and choose a wedge vs. a pointed heel.
Mortarboards should not be altered in any way nor should anything (other than the appropriate tassel) be attached to or written on it.
Any student who appears to be under the influence of a controlled substance will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
Students will not be allowed to carry any items onto the football field and there is no place to store items, so leave purses, cameras, cell phones, keys, and other personal items with your parents /family/friends. We will not be able to retrieve any items from the staging classroom.
Detectors in Use
Detectors in Use
Please note, we will be conducting weapons screening with detectors at both our Baccalaureate and Graduation ceremonies. We have processes in place to ensure this runs as smoothly as possible, and we thank you in advance for your support in this.
All attendees will pass through screening and adhere to any screening procedures and protocols to gain admission to the event.
As is standard for campus events, all weapons, drugs, and alcohol are prohibited.
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the event start time. This will help to ensure that all events start on time with all of our guests comfortably seated ready.
Requesting Transcripts Post Graduation
Requesting Transcripts Post Graduation
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