ST. GEORGE — The time of the year has come when the weather warms, kids are ready for summer and those who have completed their senior year put on the gown and cap for one last high school memory.
Before these graduates take the stage, however, both Iron County and Washington County school districts have three things to know for the upcoming high school graduation ceremonies.
Graduation attire
Cultural ancestral lineage has allowed some graduates additional freedom with their apparel. Two pieces of legislation the last two years — HB 30 – Student Tribal Regalia Use Amendments and Student Graduation Attire Modifications — have made this possible.
“All graduates are required to wear the authorized cap and gown,” Iron County Communications Coordinator Shauna Lund said. “The cap should not be altered or decorated except as is allowed by Utah Code 53G-4-414.” This code allows students to “wear recognized items of cultural or religious significance as an adornment at a graduation ceremony.”
And under this Utah code, Native American and Alaskan Native students are authorized to “wear tribal regalia,” including “decorating graduation attire with tribal regalia.”
Even though tribal, cultural and religious regalia will be allowed as per state law, there are rules all must follow.
“Illegal, inappropriate, political or offensive adornments will not be allowed,” Lund said.
Lund explained this is in accordance with the code as school districts have the power to “prohibit a student from wearing an item of adornment that is likely to cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the graduation ceremony.”
Washington County School District follows the same rules pertaining to graduation attire.
Graduation pictures
Each school will individually schedule a location and time when graduates will be able to take official pictures. Lund said the schools have communicated the scheduled times and picture information to parents and graduates.
Both Cedar and Canyon View High Schools have scheduled times on Wednesday, May 24, to take photos in front of the “C” and “CV” landmarks for photo opportunities.
Washington County schools have individually scheduled times for graduation pictures.
“There will not be that availability on graduation day,” Lund said.
All parents and guests of graduates are asked to abide by the rules pertaining to photography/videography during the ceremony.
Contact individual schools for information pertaining to photography/videography questions.
Graduation day
Both Dunham and Lund stressed the importance of graduates being there when mandated, ready to go. As for graduate guests, Dunham said they should be there at least an hour early.
“Most of our graduations are in the football fields starting at 8 a.m.,” Dunham said. “Bring your sunscreen and arrive early.”
The ceremony for Parowan High School is being held inside its auditorium. As such, it has a set guest limit of 11 guests per graduate.
“Cedar High and Canyon View High ceremonies will live-stream and Parowan High will send parents the link to their live-stream,” Lund added.
Access to live-stream the Cedar City and Canyon View high school graduations can be found at this link.
For all other schools, contact the individual school for information on live-streaming, if available.
Both Dunham and Lund said for all graduates and guests to please abide by the directions of ushers and those moderating the ceremonies. Also, it’s important to keep it a celebration for the graduates by respecting the ceremony.
Graduation ceremony schedule
- May 19 – Utah Online, 4 p.m. at Desert Hills High Auditorium
- May 22 – Virtual Filming, 8:30 a.m. at Millcreek High School
- May 22 – Water Canyon High School, 7:30 p.m. at Water Canyon High Football Stadium
- May 23 – Southwest Education Academy Graduation, 6:30 p.m. at the Southern Utah University Hunter Conference Center
- May 24 – Crimson Cliffs High School, 8 a.m. at Crimson Cliffs High Football Stadium
- May 24 – Dixie High School, 8 a.m. at Dixie High Football Stadium
- May 24 – Pine View High, 8 a.m. at Pine View High Football Stadium
- May 24 – Launch High Graduation, 5 p.m. at the Southern Utah University Hunter Conference Center
- May 24 – Enterprise High School, 6 p.m. at Enterprise High Gymnasium
- May 25 – Hurricane High School, 8 a.m. at Hurricane High Football Stadium
- May 25 – Desert Hills High School, 8 a.m. at Desert Hills High Football Stadium
- May 25 – Snow Canyon High School, 8 a.m. at Snow Canyon High Football Stadium
- May 25 – Canyon View High School, 1 p.m. at the Southern Utah University America First Event Center
- May 25 – Cedar City High School, 5 p.m. at the Southern Utah University America First Event Center
- May 25 – Parowan High School, 7 p.m. at the Parowan High School Auditorium
UPDATE: 05/18/23 – updated location of one graduation
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