GRADUATION

To participate in graduation, graduate candidates must: 

• satisfy all diploma requirements, 

• owe no money to the school, 

• have attended graduation practice, 

• and be in graduation dress code before graduation.

Students pay for their caps, gowns, and tassels through the senior fee they pay to the school. The senior fee is $75 and covers cap, gown, tassel, diploma, diploma cover, and senior event expenses. 

See below for graduation dress code.

GRADUATION INVITATION INSTRUCTIONS/ETIQUETTE

Please read the information below concerning your Graduation invitations and follow the guidelines given.

DO NOT BEGIN MAILING YOUR INVITATIONS NOW!

• THE IDEAL TIME FRAME FOR MAILING GRADUATION INVITATIONS EARLY MAY

• You may want to exchange name cards with other Seniors (if you ordered them)!  You may do this at any time.  

REMEMBER – DO NOT MAIL YOUR GRADUATION INVITATIONS NOW!

Graduation announcements are “formal” announcements. You (or perhaps your mother if she writes better than you do) should address the announcements in script handwriting with black ink. The handwriting must be neat.

Some people want to use computer generated address labels.  Address labels are never acceptable for formal announcements or invitations. However, a script font may be used if it is printed directly onto both the outer and inner envelopes. It is not as personal and, therefore, not as accepted. The return address should go on the rear flap of the outer envelope. 

Graduation announcements should be mailed within a two-week time frame. See page one of this handout for exact dates as to when Graduation invitations should be mailed. Please note: Out-of-town announcements should be mailed first because they will take longer to reach their destinations.

Finally, it is never in good taste to send an announcement to anyone who is automatically involved in the Graduation ceremony. This includes your school administrators, teachers, coaches, etc. These people are automatically expected to attend the ceremony as a part of the faculty. You may verbally request their presence to let them know you would appreciate their being in attendance. In addition, you should not send an announcement to any other senior or his/her parents if the senior is graduating the same night as you. (This includes seniors at other high schools).

Here is helpful link for when you are addressing your envelopes!

You will receive your cap, gown, and tassel when they come in if you have paid your senior fee. Congratulations – you are one step closer to graduating from high school!  

When you get home, try your gown on for size.  Make sure it is not too small or too large, and also check for rips or holes.  Hang your gown up on a hanger.  All the wrinkles should fall out; do not iron your gown!  Put your cap and tassel somewhere safe but also a place you can remember (this has happened!).  Also, do not leave your cap & gown in your locker or your car!  Ladies – if there is a white collar in your packet, disregard it; you will not be wearing it!  

WILSON HIGH SCHOOL

Graduation Dress Code

It's important that everyone understands that graduation is a formal event, and certain attire is required. We require all students to be in the graduation dress code in order to participate in graduation. Therefore, we require all seniors to acknowledge they understand the basic dress code and that it must be worn at graduation. If you OR a guardian filled out the incoming senior form, you have already acknowledged this!

DRESS CODE

• Flat cap and zipped gown

• You have 3 attire options for under the gown:

1. Dress* 

2. Shirt/skirt combo*

3. White dress shirt, dark dress pants, and dark tie.**

• Shoes: if your leg is bare - dark dress sandals, heels, or flats. If wearing dress pants- dark dress shoes with dark socks should be worn. (Boots are not considered dress shoes).

• No excessive or overly large jewelry, or cap decor.

• Accessories cannot be worn unless associated with the school. These will be provided by school organizations, clubs, and/or administration. 

*If wearing a dress or shirt/skirt combo, your collar should not show, and the hem of your dress must either be above the hem of your gown or touch the tops of your feet (no in between). If your dress or skirt goes to your feet, make sure it is dark blue or black.

**If wearing a white dress shirt, the top shirt button must remain buttoned

**The key thing to remember is that everyone is meant to appear very uniform, a unified group, as much as possible. If you have questions, please see a

senior sponsor.

**If you cannot meet the dress code because of financial reasons, contact one of the senior sponsors prior to cap and gown pictures.