2025 Graduation Guidelines:
Parkland High School Graduation Guide 2025
Graduation Practice
Graduation Practice is REQUIRED, and you must arrive ON TIME!
· Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
· Practice Arrival Time: 3:00 pm
· Practice Start/End Time: 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm
· Place: LJVM Coliseum
· Logistics: Park in the DIET PEPSI PARKING LOT (2825 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27105) https://www.ljvm.com/venue-info/parking/ and enter at the UPPER CONCOURSE PATIO. Deacon Boulevard is currently closed from the intersection of University Parkway to Piccolo Lane due to construction. Westbound traffic can still access the Starry and Diet Pepsi Lots by entering Deacon Boulevard via Shorefair Drive. Due to construction All other entrances will be unavailable, and traffic will be heavy so please come early! This is the same entrance you will use at graduation. ONLY GRADUATES ARE ALLOWED. Friends and family will not be allowed to enter for rehearsal. Cap and gown are not required for practice. You will be shown where to pick up your diploma after graduation during graduation practice. Metal detector scanning will be required to enter the coliseum so please leave purses and bags in your car.
· If you need bus transportation to practice, please sign up using this link https://forms.gle/6aCTiPtTQSBjZErG6
Graduation Ceremony
· Date: May 23, 2025
· Graduates Arrival Time: 10:00 am - Doors Open at 10:00 am
· Ceremony Start/End Time: 11:00 am – 12:45 pm
· Place: LJVM Coliseum
· Logistics:
o Parking - Each graduate will be given one parking pass that must be displayed in order to park in the Diet Pepsi Parking Lot (2825 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 https://www.ljvm.com/venue-info/parking/
o Parents o Enter the coliseum following the same procedures from graduation practice and remain in the backstage area.
o Metal detector scanmily and friends will not be allowed in the backstage area for any reason, so please communicate this with your family beforehand.
o Lifetouch Photographers will be on site taking pictures. Please see the flyers posted around the coliseum for more information.
o Don’t forget to pick up your diploma after the ceremony downstairs inside the coliseum at the loading dock doors where you lined up and then immediately exit the coliseum.
Tickets and Guest Information
· Tickets are not required, and guests will not be limited in number.
· Seating is first come, first serve and bags will be inspected. The LJVM Clear Bag Policy will be implemented.
· Items not permitted in the coliseum: confetti, balloons, noise makers, signs, large cameras, wrapped gifts, bags, etc. Please visit this link for details. https://www.ljvm.com/venue-info/faq/ .
Interpretation Services
· WSFCS and Parkland Magnet High School will offer Spanish Language Interpretation for individuals who would benefit from this service.
· Section 102 will be set aside for interested parties and their families.
· Upon entry, interested parties should look for “Interpreting Services” signs for directions.
· Participants will be provided a headset. Headsets will be provided on a first come, first serve basis until headsets or spaces are filled.
Gown Care
Please be sure to take your gown out of its package and hang it up so the wrinkles will fall out at least 48 hours before graduation. Do not iron your gown!
Graduation Attire
Unisex Guide
· Tops: Collared shirt, tie optional
· Bottoms: Dress pants or khakis or skirt
· Dresses are allowed
· Shoes: Nice shoes required. No slides, no crocs and no flip flops are allowed. Please make sure you can stand for long periods of time, walk a long distance, and walk up and down steps in your shoes. High heel shoes must be functional.
Graduation Caps
Decorating your graduation cap is optional. Decorated graduation caps will be reviewed and approved in advance to the ceremony. If your cap does not meet the guidelines below and is considered to be inappropriate, you may need to purchase an additional cap for $5 while supplies last. If caps are not available, then you may not be able to participate in the ceremony.
The following messages/items are APPROPRIATE for your cap
· Messages that are allowed
- Thank a parent, grandparent, teacher, or friend
- Recognize the university you will attend
- The year you are graduating
- The branch of the military you will be joining
· Décor that is allowed
- Glitter, paper, stickers, paint, other items that are appropriate in message and are able to lay (mostly) flat on the cap.
- Approved 2025 tassel.
The following messages/items are PROHIBITED for your cap or drape
· Messages that are not allowed
- Anything obscene, profane, vulgar, or lewd.
- Inappropriate images: Contain any symbols, advertisements, initials, abbreviations, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that refer to drugs or controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, weapons or is considered to be of a sexual nature.
- Inappropriate groups: Denote an affiliation with hate groups or gangs or which advocate drug use, violence, illegal activity, or disruptive behavior which is detrimental to the safety and welfare of other students.
· Décor that is not allowed
- Items should not dangle or hang off of the cap on any sides.
- No blinking lights, nothing battery operated.
- Items that fall off are not allowed.
- No unapproved tassels
Make sure all decorations are secured!
Decorated caps must be approved no later than rehearsal.
Congratulations Class of 2025!