2021 Cougar Commencement
Everything you need to know!
Ceremony QR Code
Class of 2021 and Parents/Guardians,
The information in this document will cover many of the things that are necessary for a wonderful end to your senior year and a fantastic commencement ceremony. We have also included some reminders for our upcoming senior events. As our seniors wrap up their time here at UHS, please use these reminders to help guide your planning for our upcoming graduation.
No one should come to campus for any event if they are ill, symptomatic, have been in contact with a known positive case, or are within quarantine period. Masks must be worn according to the OCPS Mask Policy and must cover the mouth and nose at all times while on campus or at the event. Failure to comply with this expectation will result in your removal from campus or the event.
Principal’s Note
I am so excited that we are able to give our graduates this formal commencement ceremony this year! I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that this year’s ceremony will be different from past years but also to be clear that it will be special and will honor our graduates. Let us all come together in celebration of our graduates this year and a common understanding that the parameters put in place to allow for this commencement ceremony are necessary to keep everyone as healthy and safe as possible.
Yours, Mr. Ott
Senior Check Out
Mandatory Event for all seniors regardless of whether or not you are attending Graduation
Senior Check Out will take place on Wednesday, May 12th from 7:20 to 1:15 pm for our Face to Face and Dual Enrollment Seniors.
LaunchED seniors will complete their checkout on Friday, May 14th from 7:20 am to 2:20 pm.
Specific information regarding time slots and requirements will be published by Assistant Principal Sherry Langston via Cougar Corner and email on Monday, May 3rd.
All graduates must turn in their school issued laptop with charger and hotspot (if you received one).
Graduation tickets will be distributed during this event.
Graduation Tickets
Every graduate will receive one (1) pod of four (4) tickets. Each senior will receive those tickets at the end of Senior Check Out once all exit requirements have been fulfilled. Each graduate may request one (1) additional pod of four (4) tickets using the link below. Each student may only receive one additional ticket pod so you may not request more than one additional pod. This year, there is no general seating at the Amway Center. Each ticket pod will have assigned seating and pods are assigned to students through a randomizer. As such, University High School cannot guarantee that the two pods are in the same section of the Amway Center. We will not switch, select, or hold tickets in any fashion. If requested, additional ticket pods will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Each senior will receive all of their tickets at the end of Senior Check Out once all exit requirements have been fulfilled. All requests for one (1) additional pod of tickets must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday, May 10th. You will know if you are receiving the additional pod when you receive your tickets at Senior Checkout.
Additional ticket pods are limited and the ceremony will be live streamed so additional family members and friends can be part of it. That link will be published prior to the event.
Graduates do not need a ticket and children under two years old do not need a ticket but must sit on the lap of an adult. If you require handicap accessible seating, please contact Monica Arbelaez at [email protected] as soon as possible. You must request handicapped seating prior to the event as you will not be able to switch tickets at the Amway Center.
Please keep your tickets in a safe location and make sure that you do not lose them as we cannot guarantee entry at the Amway Center if you do not bring your physical ticket.
Request for Additional Ticket Pod: https://tinyurl.com/gradticketpodrequest
Cap & Gown
If you have any questions regarding your cap and gown, please contact our Josten’s rep at [email protected]. All graduates must have the full complement of cap, gown, hood and tassel to participate in the event. University High School does not allow caps to be decorated.
Graduation Attire (to be worn under your gown)
All graduates are expected to follow the dress code requirements for our commencement ceremony below. Failure to do so may result in your removal from the ceremony.
- ●Please wear business professional attire (dress, slacks) and dress shoes
- ●We recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes that you know you can easily walk in
- ●Caps will not be decorated
- ●All gowns will be fully zipped
- ●No jeans or denim, leggings, or other such materials of any kind
- ●Sneakers, slides, flip flops, or any other non-business professional footwear are not permitted
All students will have their attire checked before the ceremony. This is a prestigious and formal occasion and we expect all graduates to dress their best for the ceremony.
Graduation Day
Wednesday, May 26th, 2021
●University High School’s Commencement will be held on Wednesday, May 26th at 7:30 pm at the Amway Center.
●To ensure the safety of all of our graduates and guests and to comply with COVID restrictions, University High School will host two consecutive 45 minute commencement ceremonies.
- Group 1 will consist of students with last names Abad through McNamara, our Top 10 in class, and all graduates on ACCESS points.
- Group 2 will consist of students with last names Medal through Zhang
●The commencement ceremony for Group 1 will begin promptly at 7:30 pm with the ceremony for Group 2 beginning immediately after the conclusion of Group 1’s time.
●There will be only one entry time for both ceremonies.Doors will open for guest seating at 7:00 pm.All guests are expected to arrive in time for the 7:30 pm start and be in their seats by 7:15 pm.Even if your student is in Group 2, there will not be a later entry time and you will need to be in your seat by 7:15 pm.
●Parking is free in the Geico Garage, which is located adjacent to the Amway Center.You may park in any open space on floors 2 through 8.
●All graduates must arrive no later than 6:15 pm.Being late is NOT an option regardless of the group you are in.
●Upon arrival, all graduates must proceed to the first floor of the Geico Garage (near the West entrance) for check in.
●Upon arrival, all guests will proceed to the Amway Center.All guests will go through an Amway security checkpoint.
●All guests are expected to be seated in their ticketed seats by 7:15 pm.There will be Amway ushers to make sure guests are in the appropriate sections and seats.
●Amway does not allow bags.A 4.5 x 6.5 inch clutch or wallet is allowed.
●No items that make noise are allowed.