Mount Vernon City staff give seniors step-by-step instructions for graduation ceremony

Staff at Mount Vernon City High School told graduating seniors during a rehearsal to arrive at 2 p.m., leave caps undecorated, and avoid spiky heels so the ceremony can run smoothly.

The instructions, delivered during a walk-through of the ceremony in the school gym, covered procession order, stage procedures, photo and livestream arrangements, and which cords and decorations students may wear.

Staff member (event organizer) said, "You are gonna meet us in the gym. When you come in, do not have your cap and gown on. It's going to be hot in the gym," and repeated that students should remove caps and gowns after arrival so they can change before the ceremony. The organizer added, "you cannot wear heels. Spiky heels. You can wear wedges." On program length, the organizer said, "It's about an hour and 10 minutes long."

Why it matters: following the announced rules will affect seating, photo opportunities and whether families see students on stage as planned. Staff emphasized timing and seating logistics to avoid blocking parents' views and to keep the ceremony moving.

Most important details first: students were told to arrive at 2 p.m. for staging and last-minute preparations; they should not wear caps and gowns into the gym and must keep tassels on (the staff warned tassels are often lost walking from the parking lot). The school will check caps and will replace decorated caps, saying, "We don't decorate caps. If your cap is decorated, I will take it from you and give you a new cap."

The rehearsal explained procession and stage flow: groups will walk together, approach the stage when their name is announced, shake hands with a board member who will stand at an X on stage, then immediately return to their seats to avoid blocking parent sightlines. Two student line leaders (Haley and Meg) and staff members (including Miss Nesbitt) will lead and assist the rows.

On cords and honors, staff clarified which items are permitted: career center and career tech honor cords may be worn; other cords or items mailed or purchased externally (for example, some NHS items mentioned) should not be worn. The organizer said military cords will be allowed only if previously approved and should be brought to staff on the day of the ceremony.

Photography and livestream: the organizer said two photographers will take pictures (one on stage, one as students walk down) and that photos will be available for purchase for a dollar. Families who cannot attend were told the ceremony will be livestreamed on the high school website; staff advised families to check the news section for the graduation link.

Ceremony program and order: students will be given a printed program at their seat that includes the alma mater and order of events. The sequence will include presentation of colors, the national anthem and alma mater performed by the orchestra and choir, remarks from staff (the organizer said "Mister Conway will come up and talk. Mister Seager will talk"), a roll call and presentation of diplomas, and a final class presentation for hat toss.

Staff also reminded seniors to collect any fees or Chromebooks before Sunday. The organizer warned that leaving personal items in the gym often causes post-ceremony confusion and that the school cannot promise access to the gym to retrieve forgotten items.

The rehearsal included practice for the walking order, staging loops to reach the stage and directions about where each side of the procession should walk so parents have photo opportunities. Staff emphasized students should sit immediately after returning to their rows to keep sightlines clear. Gage, a student mentioned during the rehearsal, will be honored during the ceremony.

Ending: staff closed the rehearsal by assuring students the process moves quickly and by inviting questions; they reiterated the arrival time and practical rules for dress, tassels and cords so families and students know what to expect on ceremony day.