Class of 2026 - Graduation Guide for Parents

We met with our Seniors recently and took a wide lens looks at all things graduation as we lock in this last quarter to finish strong and celebrate the Class of 2026!

For reference, here is the link to the presentation:

Senior Meeting

The graduation ceremony is held to recognize the significance of achievements accomplished by Lakota West students. Our commencement will be held on Tuesday, May 19, at Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University and will begin promptly at 8:00PM. Doors will open to the public at 6:30 PM. Graduate candidates should arrive no later than 7:00PM and report directly to the staging area. Information regarding how and where to check in, march-lines, seating, etc. will be given to graduate candidates during rehearsal on May 18, 2026. It is imperative that ALL graduates arrive on time for rehearsal and graduation! You can view the Graduation Guide for Parents for more information.

While recognizing the importance of the graduation ceremony, it is our intent to maintain high standards of conduct for students and guests attending the event. We request students and guests in attendance be respectful of the formality of the occasion and refrain from celebrations that are disruptive. In order to ensure that all graduates' names are clearly heard by the audience, we ask that applause and other forms of student recognition be minimal during graduation. Excessive outbursts, prolonged applause, and noise makers are not acceptable. Please refer to the Graduation Guide for specific information regarding dress code and other information.

Parents will not be permitted in the staging area prior to or at the conclusion of the commencement. Please take pictures with your students in their caps and gowns before the ceremony. Students are required to turn in their gowns before they leave the Cintas Center.

We will have special parking and seating available for disabled guests. Accessible seating will be available on the main level. There will not be seating available on the floor.

Tickets are required for commencement; although there is a limit of 10 tickets and no assigned seating. The students will be given an access code to retrieve their online tickets when they receive their cap and gown on April 22nd. We will have more details on ticket information coming soon.

For those family members and friends who are not able to attend the ceremony, they can watch the ceremony by clicking on the link for the livestream.

No bags, including camera bags, will be permitted except for clear bags and small clutch purses. No broadcast style cameras will be allowed in the arena. For more information and a list of prohibited and approved bags, please visit www.goxavier.com/ClearBag. Balloons, horns and noisemakers are not permitted.

Lakota West be hosting the 2026 Lakota Parade of Graduates on Monday, May 18. If your child is interested in participating in the 2026 Parade of Graduates (POG), they must submit this registration by . Seniors cannot participate in the Parade of Graduates if they have not completed this registration. The day of the POG, Seniors will meet after graduation practice and then they will be bused to the elementary school they registered for. Below is additional information regarding the Parade of Graduates:

• Students must follow the same safety guidelines as when in the school building.
• For safety reasons, Seniors who choose to participate must ride Lakota's buses to the event.
• Parents will be permitted to attend the parade. Further information will be shared closer to the event.
• The parade will take place on May 18 at 9:30 AM.

Please let us know if you have any questions and our team will work together to help get you the answers you need.

We will continue to send updates and reminders for all things SENIORS as we cruise through these next 2 months.

We look forward to celebrating this wonderful occasion with you and your family.