AHS Class of 2023 – Commencement Planning Guide
Congratulations Seniors and Parents! Your hard work and determination have brought you here. Listed below you will find important information about the commencement process.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Announcements were ordered in October and will be distributed on Monday, March 27 from 10:55 am – 1:00 pm across from the front office. If you have questions or concerns regarding your order, you may call the Jostens office at 1-800-863-0961 Ext. 0 or go to www.jostens.com.
SENIOR MEETING (mandatory): April 19, 2023 – during seminar
SENIOR SERVICE DAY (mandatory): Wednesday, May 10 is a day for the seniors of Ankeny High School to give back to their community. Seniors will have the opportunity during the school day to thank the teachers that made an impact on their learning and wellbeing, give back to the school that they spent so much time at over the last four years, and give back to the community that they grew up in.
CAPS AND GOWNS: Caps and gowns will be distributed on Wednesday, May 10 from 12:00 pm – 1:10 pm across from the front office.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT NIGHT (optional): Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the main gym. This night is to recognize seniors who are receiving awards and/or scholarships. Invitations will be mailed to seniors who receive school related awards, who self-report scholarships and to Dollars for Scholars recipients. Participating seniors will wear their graduation gowns (no cap/tassel). All are welcome to attend and support their friends and family.
SENIOR FINAL EXAMS: May 22 and May 23 during regular class periods.
SENIORS’ LAST DAY: Tuesday, May 23 – All academic work must be completed by this date to be eligible to participate in commencement. All fines and fees must also be paid.
SENIOR BREAKFAST AND SLIDESHOW: The Student Council will sponsor a senior breakfast/slideshow in the cafeteria at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, prior to commencement practice. All graduates are invited to attend.
COMMENCEMENT PRACTICE (mandatory): Thursday, June 1 at 9:15 a.m. in the high school gym. You must attend this practice session if you wish to participate in commencement.
COMMENCEMENT: Saturday, June 3 at 1:00 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The doors to Hilton Coliseum will open at 12:00 pm for the public. There is seating for approximately 14,000 people, so we will not issue tickets for commencement. Graduates should be at Hilton ready to line up no later than 12:15 p.m.
COMMENCEMENT DECORUM: Commencement is a time for celebration, but it is also a time to demonstrate respect and dignity for all students and families. We ask that guests refrain from using noisemakers and from shouting or applauding during the ceremony. At the end of the diploma presentation, we will honor all graduates at the same time. Graduates are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and respect during the ceremony as well.
DIPLOMA PACKETS: Immediately following the commencement ceremony, seniors will be handed their diploma packet. The packet will include your diploma, immunization card and commencement photo order form.
Your diploma and immunization card CANNOT be replaced. (Please keep your diploma and immunization card in a safe place – DO NOT DESTROY).
COMMENCEMENT PHOTOGRAPHS: Photos will be taken as you cross the stage. These photos will be available for order through the photographers website.