2026 Graduation Ceremony Information

Date & Location

• Friday, June 12 at 6pm
• Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
• 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC 27601 

Tickets

• Each guest must have a ticket to gain entry into the graduation ceremony. Tickets will be included in the cap/gown packet graduates will pick up from their site beginning on June 3.
• Children over 2 must have a ticket.
• 6 tickets per graduate - any family member or friend not able to attend may view the ceremony via our live stream.
• Doors open for guests at 5:15pm
  • PLEASE emphasize to your guests that they need to be on time! The ceremony starts at 6:00pm sharp. They will need to factor in time to find parking and walk to the venue! 
• Graduates do not need a ticket. 

Graduation Rehearsal

• All graduates MUST be at Memorial Auditorium at 4:30pm on June 12 for MANDATORY rehearsal before the formal ceremony.
• Please come to rehearsal dressed in your cap, tassel, & gown, with appropriate attire underneath.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get there on time — this includes time to park, walk to the venue, and be inside for the rehearsal at 4:30 sharp! 

Cap & Gown

• All students will be given a cap & gown from SCORE Academy. The caps & tassels can be kept, but the gown is borrowed and must be returned immediately following the ceremony.
• Only your cap and gown are allowed to be worn during the ceremony, with appropriate attire underneath. 
• NO decorated caps.
• NO cords or stoles can be worn during the ceremony.
• Immediately after graduation, tables will be set up outside for students to return their gowns and receive their diploma.
• Graduates MUST return their borrowed gown before leaving Memorial Auditorium.
• Students may pick up the cap/gown packet at their site starting on Wednesday, June 3, during normal school hours. Students must return any school-owned technology (e.g. Chromebook, hotspot, etc.) before receiving their cap & gown. 

Personal Items

• There is nowhere to store personal items at Memorial Auditorium. 
• Please leave all belongings at home, in your car, or give them to a family member to secure during the ceremony. This includes keys, purses, bags, AND phones. 

Diplomas

• Students’ legal name will be printed on the diploma. This is verified by the student's birth certificate. If there are concerns about the student's name, please contact Mrs. Murphy (kbmurphy@wcpss.net).
• Graduates will receive their diploma after the ceremony. The diploma will be given in exchange for returning your gown. Students will have time to take photos with family and friends after the ceremony.
• Counselors will be at tables set up in the lobby to hand out diplomas and collect gowns. Students should proceed directly to the tables after the ceremony.

Parking

• Downtown parking lots for graduation typically cost $10.00-15.00. On graduation day, there will be appropriate signage indicating parking facilities. 
• More parking info is available here.   

Security

• All staff and guests will be required to enter through a metal detector, per Memorial Auditorium policy.
• All bags are subject to search and must meet size requirements. A small clutch or wallet is recommended and no bags larger than 12" x 12" x 10" will be allowed — this includes backpacks, camera bags, and oversized purses.
  • Diaper bags are allowed for guests with infants and toddlers (child must be present).
• Prohibited Items include balloons, e-cigarettes/vapes, glass items (including flower vases), noise-making devices, signs, posters, and weapons of any kind.
  • Flowers wrapped in tissue paper are allowed inside the building.
• More on security rules, bag policy and prohibited items

Livestream

• Any family or friends unable to attend the ceremony can watch the ceremony via our livestream. 
• This link will also be posted on our website on the day of graduation.