Hey Seniors! With May just around the corner and graduation approaching we are entering the last few celebrations on our senior checklist. Here are some reminders for the upcoming events and how you can be prepared!

Friday, May 1: Cupcake Day

Starting off the month immediately is Cupcake Day, also known as National College Decision Day across the country. Seniors will dress down in T-shirts showcasing their choice of university if applicable. Stop by the lobby during your lunch (which is an A-Day) to grab a cupcake and celebrate all that the Class of 2026 has accomplished!

Friday, May 8: Last Day of Class/Senior Picnic

After 2nd period all seniors are invited to outside on the front lawn for celebratory cookout of hot dogs and hamburgers to celebrate the last day of class.

Wednesday, May 13: Senior Sunset

Join us at 7 p.m. on May 13 to celebrate with classmates one final time on campus to release sky lanterns at sunset together.

Friday, May 22: Graduation Practice/Baccalaureate Mass

There is a required graduation rehearsal at 9 a.m. at Reynolds Coliseum. Every graduate is assigned a number that corresponds to a specific seat at graduation. Seat numbers will be posted the week of Graduation.Students receive their graduation tickets in an envelope at rehearsal. This will conclude at 11:30 a.m. 

Also on Friday, May 22, Baccalaureate Mass takes place at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. All graduates should arrive at 5:45 p.m. Families and friends of graduates are welcome to attend. Tickets are not required for this event, but seating is limited. The procession begins at 6:15 p.m. and mass will start at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 23: Graduation

The big day is finally here! The graduation ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. at NC State’s Reynolds Coliseum and will last approximately 2 hours. Directly following the ceremony, graduates recess outside for the cap toss. There will be light refreshments and cake available in the lobby area. 

Doors open for ticketed guests at 9 a.m. Graduates should arrive at Reynolds Coliseum no later than 9:15 a.m. and report to their designated spot in the lineup.

All parking information is available on the Gibbons website. 

Dress Code for May 22 & 23:

For all the events on May 22 & May 23 students should wear cap, gown, and tassel issued by the school. 

Acceptable Graduation attire to be worn under the gown: 

• Dress pants/slacks (no jeans) with a white dress shirt or blouse (Any part of the top showing above the stole should be white.)
• Dress tie or bow tie (if applicable)
• Skirt with a dress shirt or blouse (Any part of the top showing above the stole should be white.)
• Dress
• Dark or neutral dress shoes (no athletic shoes, slides, topsiders, boots, or house shoes)
• Heel height should be comfortable for brisk, safe walking up and down stairs. Flat shoes or wedges are recommended.