EPHRATA HIGH SCHOOL
Ephrata, PA 17522
SENIOR CLASS MEETING/INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMENCEMENT
We stress the importance of getting your diploma when you enter school. At graduation, we
stress that the ceremony is an "American Tradition" and a dignified event. It is not a party
atmosphere. It is not a celebration. The celebrating comes after commencement. This is a
scholarly event. You will be judged by what you know and do.
Your graduation is a very special occasion for you and your family. It is very special for us.
Therefore, we make every effort to give you a ceremony that is one of dignity. We want a "Class
Act." We think you are a "Class Act."
Many people work long and hard to develop a program, which will make you proud.
Expectations are for you to uphold the high standards, which are set for the ceremony.
EPHRATA HIGH SCHOOL
Ephrata, PA 17522
COMMENCEMENT INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES
EPHRATA MIDDLE SCHOOL
General Information
1. Must be in the high school no later than 6:15 p.m.. Enter at the high school gym entrance. If there is inclement weather,
Commencement will be held in the Middle School gymnasium. Report to the high school by 6:00 p.m. for indoor, 6:15
p.m. outdoor ceremonies.
2. After practice, try on your cap and gown. Hang it up until you bring it to graduation. Remember, the outfit is yours to
keep. Do Not Iron! If your gown does not fit, bring it back to school in the afternoon and see Mrs. Fritz or Mr.
Vieland who will be in the High School Office. Note: Gowns and caps may not be altered or decorated.
3. Before Commencement, girls will dress in the FCS rooms, and boys will dress in the Boys’ Locker Room. Do not wear
white, as perspiration or a rain shower could affect the graduation gown dye. (Girls should wear a dress or dress pants
under their gown and Boys should wear a collared shirt and long pants.) You must wear shoes. No sneakers! Avoid heels
on grass. As students are receiving diplomas from Ephrata High School, the only stoll to be worn
during the graduation ceremony is the one representing Ephrata High School, the gold colored stoll.
4. Preparing for processional—Administration, faculty & class advisors will assist. The class officers and orators will be at
the start of the procession then remaining graduates in alphabetical order. Do not leave the line after you are in position.
5.
________________ and _______________________ will lead the class to and from the commencement program.
Tassels are placed over the left eye prior to graduation.
6. The class will enter the field through the gate adjacent to the greenhouse. You are to be quiet! Stand tall, walk erect, and
keep alert. Half of you will make a left turn toward the stands after passing through the ground markers; the other half of
the class will go straight. Stay alert and do not bunch together. Keep one arm’s length from the person in front of you.
This is especially important as you enter the seating area.
7. You will be seated front to rear and leave the exercise in the same way. The class officers and orators will be seated on
the stage with the Principal and Superintendent -- these chairs will be marked. (Program begins here!)
8. Valedictorian and class speakers will assist the Board members with diploma cover distribution, outdoors only.
9. Once in front of your seat, face front, and remain standing until after the National Anthem. When the Class President
sits, the class should sit in unison.
10. Introduction by Superintendent of Schools – Dr. Troop
11. Address of Welcome by your Class President – Katie Hamaker
12. Principal’s Remarks – Mr. Galen
13. Orations by students –Valedictorian,
14. Presentation of Graduates by Principal—“Dr. Troop and EASD Board of Education, I certify that these Seniors have met
the requirements for graduation. I am pleased to present the Class of 2014.” On Mr. Galen’s signal--the class will stand in
unison.
15. Mr. Galen will motion the Class to sit prior to the message by the President of the Board of Education. Following
these remarks, the ushers will direct the class to the platform. At this point, the first row will rise and face the usher.
The remaining members will remain seated.
16. When it is time to receive your diploma cover, you will be released by ___________ and _______________. You will
approach the rear of the platform. Do not start across the ramp until directed. The Superintendent will be at the top of
the ramp. The Class Advisors will be at the ramp entrance.
17. Stop at the top edge of the ramp with Dr. Troop. Wait until your name is called and then walk to the Board member
who will present you with your diploma cover.
18. Stop to the front of the Board member. They will extend the diploma cover to you with their left hand and under that
hand; they will shake hands with their right hand. Remember – right shake, left take. (Say "Thank you" to the Board
member.) PAUSE FOR PICTURE, facing forward. Exit using the front ramp, walk toward the fence and return to your
seat.
19. After the president of the class has received her diploma he will remain on stage. Mr. Galen will turn to the class and
say, "Please rise…I congratulate the Class of 2015." On fifteen, place your tassel over your right eye with your right
hand. The class president will lead the class in moving the tassel.
20. ALMA MATER—Remain standing.
21. You will be ushered out. (Ushers begin the recessional with the start of recessional music.)
22. Remain in the recessional formation until you have arrived at the designated area to the rear of the field. Do not veer
from this and mar the entire exercise. Remove your tassel. After all members of the class have congregated in this
area, you will be instructed by the class president as to when to throw your hats straight up into the air. Do NOT look
UP when you throw your hat. If we are indoors caps are tossed at seats. The ceremony is over after the cap toss.
23. Return to the fitness center to pick up your graduation packet, which contains your diploma and health records.
Stations will be arranged alphabetically by name. All white honor hoods and borrowed honor cords must be returned.
Seniors have one half hour after graduation to pick up their diploma and records. After that, seniors will need to come
into the high school office during office hours to receive their diploma and records.
24. Begin the next phase of your life with our best wishes for your success and happiness.
25. Graduation pictures will be available online from Martin’s Studio.
IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER
Graduation will take place in the Middle School Gymnasium
1. Meet at EHS for dressing at 5:45 p.m. You will be bussed to the Middle School.
2. The Class will line up in the hallways and walk into the Middle School Gymnasium in order. You will be
directed to the proper door to enter the Gymnasium.
3. You will be seated front to rear.
4. Following the Board President's remarks, the class will be directed to the speaker's lectern by the ushers.
5. After you receive your diploma and congratulations from the Board member, you will return to your row
entering the opposite end of the row from where you left previously.
6. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the class officers and orators will lead the seniors in throwing their caps.
Return to the fitness center at the high school to pick up your graduation packet, which contains your diploma
and health records.
ALMA MATER
Hail, Alma Mater, Thee we uphold.
Our ties grow stronger as the years unfold.
We'll show our loyalty, To thee be true;
Faith, hope, and truth revere Purple and Gold.
Our very best to each of you for
success and happiness!
Ephrata High School Graduation
Martin’s Studio will photograph each student receiving his or her diploma.
These images will be available for viewing and ordering after June 13, 2013
Visit our website at: www.martinsstudio.com
Click on: View session proof
Then Click on: “GS Graduation” in public galleries.
Students will be listed by last name/ first name
You can order online by double clicking on the image and following the instructions or
call the studio at 733-2350. Photos will be available online for 30 days
Congratulation Graduates!
Thank You,
Martin’s Studio