AHS Class of 2024 – 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.
TO DO: Is Your Name Incorrect on your School Transcript? If so, it will be incorrect on your diploma. Email Ms. Myers at: Jill.Myers@ankenyschools.org or stop by the Counseling Office to correct your name.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Announcements were ordered in October and will be distributed on Wednesday, March 27 from 10:40 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. If not picked up on March 27th, you can pick them up in the front office.
CAPS AND GOWNS: Caps and gowns will be distributed on Wednesday, May 8 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm across from the front office. If not picked up on May 8th, you can pick them up in the front office.
SENIOR FINAL EXAMS: May 20 and May 21 during regular class periods.
SENIORS’ LAST DAY: Tuesday, May 21 – 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 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, prior to commencement practice. All graduates are invited to attend.
COMMENCEMENT PRACTICE (mandatory): Thursday, May 30 at 9:00 a.m. in the high school gym. You must attend this practice session if you wish to participate in commencement.
COMMENCEMENT: Sunday, June 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The doors to Wells Fargo will open at 10:00 am for the public. There is seating for approximately 14,000 people, so we will not issue tickets for commencement. Graduates should be at Wells Fargo ready to line up no later than 10:00 a.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.