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This website serves as the primary resource for the Class of 2026, providing a clear and comprehensive guide to the essential deadlines, schedules, and requirements necessary for a successful transition to graduation.
who to contact for more information:
Graduation: Heather Sawyer Project Graduation: Brendan Scully Yearbook: Janet Pipkin and Molly Callaghan
Graduation VIDEO
Graduation VIDEO
The full video recording of the 2026 Deering HS commencement ceremony is now available. Feel free to share this link with family and friends who weren't able to attend the ceremony in person. It was a wonderful day celebrating the achievements of the entire graduating class. Congratulations to all of our graduates!
Class of 2026
Graduation Portraits
Graduation Portraits
We are pleased to share that the official graduation portraits, capturing our students as they crossed the stage at Merrill Auditorium, are now ready for viewing. A huge thank you to Rhonda Farnham Photography for capturing these beautiful memories!
To maintain the privacy and security of our graduates, the direct link and password have been sent via email to all students, families, and guardians. Please check your inbox for those access details.
If you did not receive the email or need assistance accessing the gallery, please contact the main office.
Congratulations again to the Class of 2026—you all looked wonderful!
pAST EVENTS
pAST EVENTS
graduation event details
graduation event details
Date
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Location
Merrill Auditorium | 20 Myrtle St, Portland, ME
Ceremony Time
11:00 AM sharp
class of 2025 commencement
salutatorian for the class of 2026
Graduation Event Information
Graduation Event Information
This section provides a detailed overview of the commencement schedule, venue logistics, and essential ceremony protocols to ensure every graduate and their family is fully prepared for the celebration.
Attire
Attire
Graduates are expected to wear their gowns fully zipped for the ceremony and should choose practical footwear suitable for walking across the stage. While students are encouraged to express their creativity by decorating their caps with school-appropriate designs, additional regalia is limited to official club cords and sashes, which will be distributed on Friday, May 29th. To honor individual backgrounds, students may also wear a sash representing a specific country as part of their commencement attire.
Tickets
Tickets
Each guest attending the ceremony at Merrill Auditorium must present a physical ticket for entry, as digital images or photos of tickets will not be accepted. In accordance with venue regulations, every individual requires their own ticket, including infants and small children. Graduates will receive a total of seven tickets to distribute to their guests for the commencement celebration.
May 1 - Capstone Day
May 1 - Capstone Day
Attendance at Capstone Day is mandatory for all seniors planning to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students must arrive at the gym by 8:30 am with a charged Chromebook or their presentation poster and remain for the full duration of Blocks 1 and 2. Please ensure you have presented your project to your advisor before this date, as full participation is a strict requirement for walking at graduation.
May 28 - Senior Awards Night
May 28 - Senior Awards Night
Senior Awards and Scholarship Night will be held in the school auditorium on Thursday, May 28th, beginning at 6:00 pm. Students receiving an award will be notified via letter during the week of May 11th and are required to RSVP to confirm their attendance. Should you have any questions regarding the program or the notification process, please reach out directly to Ms. Sawyer for assistance.
May 29 - 1st Graduation Practice
May 29 - 1st Graduation Practice
The first graduation practice and distribution of regalia will take place on Friday, May 29th, beginning at 11:40 am in the gym. To receive your items, please arrive prepared to pay the $30 cap and gown fee via cash, check, credit card, or Apple Pay. Additionally, all students must return their Chromebooks and chargers and resolve any outstanding library fines to remain in good standing for the upcoming ceremony.
On-Going - Naviance College Decision
On-Going - Naviance College Decision
To receive your cap and gown, please complete the required Naviance survey detailing your future plans and college admissions decisions. You can expedite the process by visiting the "Colleges I’m Applying To" tab now to update your applications, including any additions like SMCC. Ensuring this information is current in the portal will save time during the final preparations for graduation.
June 2nd - 2nd Graduation Practice
June 2nd - 2nd Graduation Practice
Mandatory marching practice will held at the Portland High School gym on Tuesday, June 2nd, starting promptly at 9:00 am. Please use the direct gym entrance rather than the main school doors and plan to stay for approximately two hours to complete the walkthrough. Full participation is required to walk at graduation, and students will receive their seven commencement tickets upon the conclusion of practice.
Project Graduation
Project Graduation
Project Graduation provides our seniors with a supervised, substance-free celebration on the night of commencement, offering the Class of 2026 a safe and inclusive environment to gather one final time as a community. This long-standing tradition relies on the collective efforts of families and local partners to create a memorable experience that prioritizes student safety while honoring their transition into the next chapter of their lives. By focusing on connection and celebration, the event ensures that our graduates can enjoy a night of entertainment and camaraderie in a secure setting.
Junior & SEnior Masqurade ball
Junior & SEnior Masqurade ball
The Junior & Senior Masquerade Ball will be held on Saturday, May 9th, at 7:00 PM at O’Maine Studio. Tickets are $30 each and go on sale starting April 13th during lunch. To be eligible to purchase a ticket, students must have no more than one unexcused daily absence within the 30 days prior to their purchase.
Each student is permitted to bring one guest who must be under 21 years of age. If your guest is a 9th or 10th grader at Deering, they must be passing all of their classes to attend, and guests from other high schools require a signed permission slip. Please ensure all attendance and academic requirements are met before attempting to purchase your tickets during the lunch block.
Support & Shop
Support & Shop
Investing in the Class of 2026 through community contributions and essential graduation resources.
yearbooks
yearbooks
ORDERING DETAILS
$45
Online yearbook sales are closed.
The yearbooks will be delivered to Deering on May 28. We will have some books available for purchase at that time for anyone who did not pre-order a book. See or email Ms. Pipkin or Ms. Callaghan with any questions
senior goodbye
senior goodbye
DUE BY MAY 22
Buy a treat for your graduate.
Proceeds are for Project Graduation.
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