It has been a crazy four years but we are happy to say that the Class of 2023 gets a regular commencement ceremony! As we have learned, everything is “subject to change” and we will do our best to communicate as changes arise, so please keep this document for reference. Please continue to check our website and social media frequently for the most up-to-date information.
HONOR STUDENTS: At graduation we will honor eight valedictorians and one salutatorian. National Honor Society members who have completed their service requirement will be notified by Mrs. Bender.
REQUIREMENTS: The majority of Seniors are enrolled in classes that they must pass in order to graduate. School district policy states that in order to participate in the graduation ceremony, students must complete all requirements by June 9th. This includes completing the required High School and Beyond Plan. Counselors are monitoring all progress carefully. Parents and students are responsible for checking progress as well. Please call the counseling office at 222-7010 if you have questions.
CEREMONY: The graduation ceremony is June 10 at 12 p.m. at the Toyota Center. Tickets are not required for graduation. Doors open at 11 a.m. If you need any special accommodations (accessible seating, American Sign Language interpreter) please contact Kamiakin so we can make arrangements by May 14. Seats may not be saved.
Commencement is the most formal of the Kamiakin graduation activities and is the last recognition for the Class of 2023. Per procedure 2410, caps and gowns will be worn in the proper manner. No additions, deletions, or alterations of the cap and gown will be allowed. Per HB 2551, students who are members of a federally recognized tribe will be allowed to wear traditional tribal regalia and objects of Native American cultural significant to graduation ceremonies. Students must communicate their intent to wear tribal regalia to Mr. Chelin no later than May 27.
We want parents and relatives to be able to see and appreciate their son’s and daughter’s achievements. To assure that happening, "silly string," beach balls, signs, balloons, noisemakers, and such distracters that interfere with the ceremony are not permitted for students or spectators. Following the ceremony, we will exit the coliseum through the south entrance; family and friends are welcome to meet the graduates outside on the grass to take photos and visit.
PHOTOS: Professional photos are available to be purchased through Dorian’s. You can order them from mydorian as well as add additional items from the online store.
DRESS: In order to take part in our ceremony, Seniors are asked to dress in a dignified manner – no t-shirts, denim jeans, tennis shoes, flip flops, etc. Students are expected to “dress up” collared shirts, slacks, dress shoes, dresses, etc. We expect that Seniors dress and act in a manner commensurate with the importance and dignity of our ceremony. Make sure your student irons his/her gown prior to the ceremony!
CAP/GOWN ORDERS: Jostens is scheduled to deliver Senior graduation items on May 15 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in front of the auditorium. If you have not ordered yet the website is Jostens and then select Kamiakin High School. If you have any questions on the Jostens order, please contact Mark Stevens at 509-948-9996 immediately.
SENIOR/PARENT BRUNCH: This year we will be adding a senior/parent brunch as part of the Senior Awards Ceremony sponsored by Gear Up. We want to take a chance to celebrate with students and parents the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 as they prepare for their next steps. The brunch will precede the Awards Ceremony, 8:36 to 9:27 a.m., and take place in the West Gym. We ask that students who have decided upon their post-secondary plans contact Amanda Cain so that they can be celebrated.
SENIOR AWARDS
CEREMONY: This is an annual recognition for seniors who have received scholarships and/or other honors/awards. In order to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 we will be having an awards assembly on Wednesday, May 31 at 9:32 a.m. in the main gym. Here is a copy of the scholarship award form~ Kamiakin Senior Honors & Awards . Please complete this or email Mrs. Cain (Amanda.cain@ksd.org) before May 17 or contact her at 222-5326 or 222-5258 or by email at to share information about your senior’s scholarships.
BACCALAUREATE: Baccalaureate is a non-denominational, inspirational farewell service for Seniors and their families planned and held outside of school. This year it is being planned by a partnership of groups; Young Life, Tri-Cities FCA, Pacific Northwest Christian College and Moms in Prayer. It is an all-area celebration so students from all high schools in the Tri-Cities area are invited. It is not planned by the school and it is not required that Seniors attend. It is scheduled for Monday, June 5 at First Presbyterian Church beginning at 7 p.m. RSVP is not required but is appreciated.
GRADUATION PRACTICE: On June 9 at 7 a.m., we will have graduation practice at the Toyota Center. Attendance at graduation practice is required in order for the student to participate in the graduation ceremony. If a Senior DOES NOT plan to participate in the graduation ceremony, please contact Mrs. Marten, 222-7010 or the student’s counselor immediately.
PICNIC: Senior brunch is set for Friday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lawrence Scott Park and is for seniors only. Food is provided FREE by the senior class.
ACTIVITIES: Activities known as Senior skip day, Senior sleep out, or Senior trip are not school-endorsed activities. In the past, students have made poor choices and/or been injured in a variety of ways during these gatherings. Please call the school if you have questions about authorized Senior activities.
ALL-NIGHT PARTY: A great group of parents, headed by Deb Puku, are planning the all-night party after graduation. If you have not been contacted but would like to help, please call right away. This is an excellent way to support your graduate’s celebration in a safe environment. The party takes place at the Kamiakin cafeteria and gymnasium and runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
FINAL EXAMS: Senior finals are scheduled for June 7 (Periods 0,1, 2, 3,7) and June 8 (Periods 4, 5, 6).
ALCOHOL/TOBACCO: Any student caught under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substances at school or at any school function will be disciplined according to school policy, which may include denial of participation at the graduation ceremony.
TOYOTA CENTER POLICIES: The Toyota Center has a clear bag policy. Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are allowed. Small clutches that do not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” are allowed in arena. Fans will now use walk-through metal detectors to enter the building. If you exit the building you will not be allowed to re-enter.Toyota Center is a smoke-free facility, including vape pens and e-cigs. No outside food or beverage allowed. No weapons allowed
As always, if you have any questions, please call 222-7000. We are all looking forward to the excitement of June 10th!
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