Class of 2026 Senior Events

Class of 2026 Information

Here you will find important dates and details regarding end-of-year activities and ceremonies for the Class of 2026.

The Senior Exemption List will be posted on Thursday, May 21, during Community Period.

Graduation Requirements & Eligibility

Please note that all financial and graduation requirements must be completed in order for students to participate in final assessments and graduation ceremonies.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Outstanding tuition balances

Library fines or replacement costs for lost materials

Textbook fees

Required service hours

Service reflection paper

Senior retreat requirement

Any assigned disciplinary obligations (including detentions)

Students who have not met these requirements will not be permitted to participate in graduation exercises.

Expectations for Seniors

Students are also expected to remain in full compliance with all Notre Dame College Prep rules and regulations through the end of the school year.

Senior pranks and vandalism are strictly prohibited

“Cut days” or senior skip days are not permitted

The Class of 2026 has brought great distinction to itself and to Notre Dame College Prep.

We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at graduation this spring.

Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and cooperation in making this a meaningful and memorable end to the school year.

Upcoming Senior Events for the

Graduating Class of 2026

Final Assessment Days
May 22, 26, & 27, 2026

Baccalaureate Mass
May 28, 2026 — 7:00 PM
📍 St. John Brebeuf Parish

Graduation Ceremony
May 30, 2026 — 9:30 AM
📍 Notre Dame College Prep Football Field

Friday, May 22

8:00-9:15 A Period Final

9:30-10:45 B Period Final

11:00-12:15 C Period Final

Tuesday, May 26

8:00-9:15 D Period Final

9:30-15:15 E Period Final

Wednesday, May 27

8:00-9:15 F Period Final

9:30-10:45 G Period Final

Commencement Exercises

Baccalaureate Mass

Thursday, May 28, 2026
7:00 PM

St. John Brebeuf Parish

Fr. Brendan McAleer, C.S.C. Class of 2007

A reception will immediately follow Mass in the SJB Parish Ministry Center.
Graduates must be seated no later than 6:50 PM.
Parents and family members are welcome to attend.
No tickets are required; seating is first come, first served.

Dress Code for Graduates

Clean-shaven
Dress shirt and tie
Dress slacks
Dress shoes

Attire Instructions

Graduates should bring gowns only.
Gowns will be donned during the liturgy.
Caps should be left at home.

Graduation Ceremony

Saturday, May 30, 2026
9:30 AM

Notre Dame College Prep Football Field

Please note: High heels are not permitted on the turf field. Wedges or flats are recommended.
Additional ceremony details are provided below.

This event will be livestreamed.

https://www.youtube.com/c/NDMediaCrew

Cap & Gowns were distributed at school. If your son did not receive his, please contact Todd Crandall, our Jostens rep at 815-477-3588 or todd.crandall@jostens.com. Because it is late, Jostens will be charging a small late fee, The cap and gown price is already included in your graduation fee through Notre Dame.

Graduation Ceremony Information

Seating

Assigned seating will be provided on the stadium field (weather permitting) for each graduate and their two parents/guardians.
Graduates will be seated alphabetically, except for the front rows, where Hesburgh Scholars will have assigned seating.
Additional seating for guests will be available in the bleachers.
There is no limit on the number of guests who may attend.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the gymnasium.
No tickets are required.
The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.

Dress Code

Graduates are expected to dress appropriately for this formal occasion:

Clean-shaven
Dress shirt and tie
Dress slacks
Dress shoes

Reporting Time

Graduates should report at 9:10 AM to the 200 wing of the school.
Hesburgh Scholars and Legacy Fathers (with their sons) should report by 8:30 AM for photos.
Room assignments will be posted on the doors.
A room supervisor will organize students in the correct order for the procession and provide final instructions.

Order of Procession

Senior Class
Faculty
Administration
Members of the Executive Board
Principal
President

Processional Instructions (Class of 2026)

Follow faculty leaders.
Proceed down the center aisle, across the front of the first row of chairs, and then down the side aisle to your assigned row.
Enter your row from the side aisle and sit between your parents/guardians.
Once you reach your place, remain standing and face the stage until all participants on stage are seated.

Receiving Diplomas

Graduates seated on the right side will be called first, followed by those on the left side.
When directed, approach the stage from the right side.
Walk to the center of the stage to receive your diploma, then exit stage left and return to your seat.
Alumni fathers may accompany their sons on stage to receive the diploma.
A faculty member will signal when your row should approach the stage—please remain seated until directed.
Carry your diploma in your left hand so your right hand is free for handshakes.
Open your diploma only after returning to your seat.

Graduation Cap Guidelines

Wear your cap straight and level on your head, slightly down on the forehead.
The tassel should remain on the right side at all times.

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