Commencement Instructions 2013
From the Administration of Liberty High School
I. Cap and Gown Instructions
1. Caps are placed on the head with the longer point to the back. The shorter point is centered on the
forehead far enough down to make the top LEVEL. Correct usage never permits the cap to be worn
at an angle.
2. Caps and gowns are worn ONLY in academic processions and services. They NEVER appear on the
street or other public places.
3. Dignity automatically accompanies the wearing of the cap and gown. SILENCE IS TAKEN FOR
GRANTED. Correct posture is impressive. Chewing gum is not allowed.
4. The cap and gown company gives instructions: “Any wrinkle in the material will disappear shortly
after the gown is removed from the bag. If light pressing is required, always use a pressing cloth
between the iron (which should be set on low) and the gown.” Excessive heat will damage the
gown. Make sure to allow plenty of time for the wrinkles to fall out. Wrinkled gowns look bad!!
5. For the Senior Awards Ceremony on Thursday, MAY 23rd, and for Graduation Exercises on Friday,
MAY 24th, girls must wear white shoes. A dress whose color and print do not show through the
graduation gown is necessary. Dresses must fit county dress code policies. NO SHORTS ARE
PERMITTED! Excessive jewelry is never worn with the cap and gown. NO TENNIS SHOES!!
6. For the Senior Awards Ceremony on Thursday, MAY 23rd, and for Graduation Exercises on Friday,
MAY 24th, boys must wear dress shirts, dark dress slacks, ties that do not clash with the gown, and
dark dress shoes. NO TENNIS SHOES!!
7. All persons should try on the cap and gown before graduation so that if some minor alterations are
necessary they can be done before the gown is to be worn. Bobby pins will help to keep the cap on.
8. Any student who has difficulty meeting the dress requirements for graduation due to financial
problems should see Mrs. Moore or Mrs. Minutelli.
9. Body piercings must be confined to the ear (this means no facial piercings) and must be deemed
appropriate by the school. Facial piercings must be removed if you are to walk.
NOTE: A North Carolina principal removed a male student from the group of seniors getting ready for
graduation ceremonies on the grounds that he was not properly attired according to the school’s rules
that male graduates wear “dress pants as opposed to jeans.” The boy went home to change, but he
was denied the chance to take part in the ceremonies upon his return because most of the class had
already entered the hall. The student’s parents sued, claiming public embarrassment and emotional
distress to both the student and themselves. The court dismissed on the grounds that there was no
basis for liability by the principal, who had the right and authority to adopt reasonable rules and
regulations in the exercise of his powers and duties, and that both the dress code and the method of
its enforcement were proper.
II. Graduation Exercises - You are not required to go through the graduation exercises in order to
receive your diploma; however, if you plan on participating, you MUST follow the guidelines included in
this paper.
1. After the processional, the Class of 2013 will remain standing until you are told to be seated.
2. You will move the tassel to the right when you reach the steps to go up on stage to receive your
diploma.
3. You will be asked to stand for the recessional. Turn and face the outer aisles and remain in that
position to march out.
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Commencement Instructions 2013
4. As your row is called, the entire row (both sides of the aisle) must stand in unison and remain until
the last person returns to his/her seat. Then your entire row sits in unison.
III. Rehearsals (Wednesday, May 22, 2013)
1. Rehearsal will occur on Wednesday, MAY 22, at 8:00 a.m. Senior Breakfast will take place that
morning as well.
2. You are REQUIRED to attend Rehearsal on MAY 22nd (8:00 AM) and the Senior Awards Ceremony
on May 24th (7:00 PM) if you are planning to go through the Graduation Exercises.
3. You MUST be prompt for rehearsal.
4. Rehearsal will last as long as necessary to get the procedures correct for graduation. Be on time
and we will finish sooner.
5. If you are late for rehearsal, do not expect to be in the proper alphabetical order!! You will be added
to the end of the line.
6. Please pay attention to the door you enter and to your seat. Let your relatives know which section
of the gym may give them the best view of your graduation.
7. Ticket distribution will take place following the May 22nd rehearsal.
8. NO GRADUATING SENIOR WILL BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN GRADUATION IF HE/SHE HAS
NOT ATTENDED THE REQUIRED GRADUATION PRACTICES AND SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY.
IV. Senior Awards Ceremony (Thursday, May 23, 2013)
1. This program is a dress rehearsal for graduation. You MUST BE present if you plan to go through
the Commencement Exercises on Friday, MAY 24th.
2. The Senior Awards Ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, MAY 23rd. All seniors must
report at 6:30 pm.
3. Caps and gowns must be worn for the assembly.
4. Parents and friends are invited to attend the Senior Awards Ceremony and A SMALL RECEPTION
FOR SENIORS AND THEIR PARENTS WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AWARDS CEREMONY
by the Liberty Bell.
V. Graduation Night (Friday, May 24, 2013)
1. Final instructions concerning graduation will be given to you at the rehearsal on Wednesday, May
22nd. Be prompt.
2. For the Graduation Exercises, report on May 24th, at 6:00 P.M. to Liberty High School to your
assigned rooms. Traffic will be heavy so allow sufficient time to get here. Please car pool if at all
possible!! Room assignments will be given to you at the rehearsal on Wednesday, May 22nd.
3. After you receive your diploma, be sure to thank the person who hands you your diploma.
REMEMBER---NO CHEWING GUM!!
4. Please ask your parents to remain in their seats during the Processional and be sure to remind
them to remain in their seats until the Recessional is complete.
5. You must be prompt for Graduation Exercises.
6. Students will be pulled from line up if they are improperly attired.
VI. Tickets
1. Everyone who attends the Graduation Ceremony must have a ticket. This includes children.
2. Each senior participating in the Graduation Ceremony will be given six (6) tickets.
3. Tickets will be distributed at the Wednesday, MAY 22rd rehearsal. Only seniors going through the
practice and the exercises will be given tickets.
VII. SPECIAL SEATING
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Commencement Instructions 2013
1. If you have relatives who require special seating, such as a place for a wheelchair or a seat on the
ground floor away from the bleachers, please make arrangements with Ms. Hawkins by senior
practice on Wednesday, MAY 22nd.
2. Special seating is only for those persons who are unable to climb into the bleachers or in a
wheelchair, not for an entire family.
VIII. ACTIONS
ANY ACTION BY A GRADUATING SENIOR(S) DURING THE SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY OR
GRADUATION WHICH TAKES AWAY FROM THE DIGNITY OF THE CEREMONY WILL RESULT IN THE
REMOVAL OF THE STUDENT(S) OR TOTAL CANCELLATION OF THE CEREMONY. LIBERTY HIGH
SCHOOL INTENDS TO CONTINUE ITS RICH TRADITION OF DECORUM FOR ITS GRADUATING
SENIORS, THEIR FAMILY, AND THE LIBERTY COMMUNITY.
Note: Each high school principal has been directed by the superintendent to announce to all students that
“SENIOR SKIP DAY” is NOT part of the senior activities or the school calendar. Senior skip days are not
sanctioned, condoned, or recognized by the Harrison County Board of Education. Students who participate
in these activities will be considered truant and their absences handled accordingly.
REMINDER:
The following attire is to be worn with your cap and gown for the Senior Awards
Ceremony and Graduation:
Girls must wear white shoes and a dress whose color and print do not show through the
graduation gown. (NO SHORTS or TENNIS SHOES!!)
Boys must wear dress shirts, ties, dark pants, and dark dress shoes. (NO TENNIS SHOES!!)
Body piercings must be limited to ears and deemed appropriate by the school.
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