Graduation Ceremony: Important Dates

Graduation 2025

Important Dates

These dates are subject to change

Date

Senior Event

Friday, January 10 Senior photos due to Mrs. Kraska. If you plan to use a school photo taken by Allison Ragsdale on January 28, your photo is due February 10th
Tuesday, January 28 Spring picture day - Seniors can have a senior picture taken at DHS
Saturday, April 12 Prom at Fort Lewis College
Wednesday, April 16 No School for Seniors (PSAT/SAT testing for grades 9-11)
Wednesday, April 30 Academic Awards 9th-12th 6:00 - 7:30pm
Monday-Friday, May 5-16 AP Testing- Check CollegeBoard for test specific date and time
Monday, May 12 Athletic Awards 9th-12th DHS Auditorium 5:30pm
Tuesday & Wednesday May 13 &14
 

Senior Finals
Senior Checkout Sheets available in Counseling Office

Wednesday, May 14
 
 
Last day of class for all Seniors 
Check AP schedule & with teachers to ensure you do not need to attend class after May 14
Friday, May 16
 
 
 

Senior Checkout & Yearbook Distribution - Gym 2- 9:00 am-2:00 pm (closed 12-1 for lunch)

Tuesday, May 20
 
 

MANDATORY Class Meeting- 10:00 - 10:30 am - DHS  Auditorium
Cap and gown pick up right after class meeting-10:30 am

Class picnic - Folsom Park at 12:00 pm

Wednesday, May 21
 
 
 

Seniors walk-through Elementary Schools 10:00 - 10:15 am at each school, except Animas Valley
Two middle schools Walk-throughs -- 2:00- 2:15 pm

 

 Thursday, May 22
 
 
 
 
 

MANDATORY Rehearsal- 3:45 - 6:00 pm, DHS Main Gym
Dinner provided

Senior Celebration- 6:00 - 8:00 pm, DHS Main Gym

Seniors walk-through Animas Valley- 10:00-10:15 am

Friday, May 23
 
 
 
 
 

Graduation Ceremony (all seniors arrive by 4:45 pm)
The DHS campus will be closed from 2:00 pm -4:30 pm to prepare for graduation.

Ceremony begins at 6:00 pm
Ceremony live feed presentation will be available
Gates open at 4:30 pm for general public

 

2025 Graduation Ceremony Tip Sheet for Families!

Date and Time:

  • Graduation is on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 6 pm.
  • The DHS campus will be closed from 2:00 pm -4:30 pm to prepare for graduation.
  • Gates and parking areas will NOT open until 4:30 PM sharp. This timing is critical for the safety of all attendees, early arrivals will be kindly directed to leave campus until the designated opening time to avoid any safety concerns.
  • We expect the ceremony to run for 90 minutes
  • Spanish translation audio services are available; look for the designated seating section at the north end of the bleachers.
  • Graduating seniors may arrive at 4:15pm for individual grad photos with a professional photographer if you would like. Access to the stadium for seating will open at 4:30pm. All Graduating seniors must report to the gym at 4:45pm

Location and Parking: 

  • Gates and parking will open at  4:30pm for graduation. This timing is critical for the safety of all attendees, early arrivals will be kindly directed to leave campus until the designated opening time to avoid any safety concerns. NO early arrivals will be allowed and will be asked to leave campus 
  • Due to limited space, we encourage carpooling and parking off-site 
  • Parking for ADA and those with guests needing extra time to arrive is located in the lot in front of the IMPACT center (a.k.a. the current drop off circle) and requires an event-specific dashboard permit, which you can request HERE. This special, DHS-issued, permitted parking is available until the lot and drop off driveway is full.
  • You may also choose to drop off guests in front of the Impact center until this lot is full. Drop off will only be available at this lot. 
  • All access to the ceremony is through the main DHS entrance. Please note that bags will be checked upon entry for security purposes. To expedite this process, we recommend clear bags.

Seat Saving and Student Access: 

  • All seating is open at 4:30 pm. DHS and Durango School District 9R is not responsible for any materials left for reservation purposes. 
  • Considering that the stadium will not be open longer than 90-minutes before the event, you may want to plan to occupy your seats upon arriving for the duration of the event. 

What to Bring:

  • Prepare for the weather (in Colorado)! Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle for sunny conditions. A jacket is also advisable as temperatures may drop after the sun sets.
  • Feel free to pack snacks to keep you energized during the ceremony.

Celebration Guidelines:

  • While we encourage enthusiastic support for our graduates, please help us to create an atmosphere of respect and dignity throughout the ceremony.
  • Air horns, bells, or other loud noise-making devices are not permitted as they can disrupt the proceedings and detract from the experience for others.
  • We ask that you silence all electronic devices during the ceremony to minimize distractions.

Additional Information and reminders:

  • Restrooms at Door 34 at the south end of the stadium concourse and portable toilets at the north end of the concourse are available throughout the ceremony.
  • In case of any emergency or need for assistance, our staff will be readily available to help. Look for volunteers wearing bright pink “Need Help” shirts, including emergency response and law enforcement personnel and a very limited number of wheelchairs.
  • This is a school event; do not bring alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or any prohibited items according to our stadium policies, which prohibit alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and confetti.
  • Please do not bring items that would not otherwise be allowed on school property. No coolers will be permitted in the stadium.

After Graduation:

  • Diplomas must be picked up in the cafeteria at the end of the ceremony as you exit the event.
  • Graduates who opt not to participate can collect their diplomas from the Registrar’s Office after May 27.