Culpeper County High School Graduation Reminders and Tips
Graduation is May 18, 9 am
Pro Tip: Spectators should arrive on campus by 8 am. Doors open for spectators between 7:30 and 7:45. The doors will be closed at 9 am when the ceremony begins. It is disappointing to be shut out because of late arrival.
Weather and Location:
If the weather is dry graduation will be held in the stadium at Broman Field. If it is raining, graduation will be held in the Culpeper Middle School Kate Carter Gymnasium. If inside, all spectators will enter through the main CMS gymnasium doors. The decision on the location will be made by noon on Friday, May 17, and will be announced via school social media, email, text, and automated phone calls.
Tickets:
There is no cost to attend graduation. Graduates will receive 4 tickets each at the end of graduation practice on Thursday, May 16. Students who have outstanding debts or have not returned school equipment (uniforms, instruments, Chromebook, charger, textbooks, etc) will not receive their tickets until these debts are paid and the equipment is returned. Tickets are the same for an indoor or outdoor ceremony. If outside, the tickets are for the seats on the field behind the graduates. If inside, the tickets are for the lower bleachers closer to the floor.
Parking:
Each graduate will receive one parking pass to get onto campus on the day of the ceremony. Vehicles without a parking pass will not be allowed on campus. Additional parking is available at Floyd T. Binns Middle School. Shuttle services begin at 7 am and will continue until everyone has been returned to their vehicles. Handicap parking is available on campus for those with state-issued handicap license plates or placards.
Pro tip: Some families choose to drop their graduate off at 7 am using the parking pass and then circle back to pick up the spectators and arrive by 8 am to get a good seat.
Handicap Access
The graduates should have requested handicap tickets. They have been offered at each senior class meeting and each graduation practice. They are given out with all other graduation tickets. If outside, handicap tickets are for under the tent on the field. Handicap spectators using the tent space must travel along the grass field. While the tent provides shade, the shade moves as the sun rises. There is additional handicap seating in the stadium with paved walkways and ramps for access. If inside, all spectators will enter through the main CMS gymnasium doors, including handicapped spectators. Seating for handicapped spectators is on the front row of the upper level. This provides clear sightlines of the ceremony. Handicap parking is available on campus for those with state-issued handicap license plates or placards.
Graduate Expectations and Tips:
Graduates must wear the approved cap and gown from Herff Jones. Graduates should wear dress attire under the gown. Males should wear pants and dress shoes. Females are cautioned to wear shoes they can comfortably walk in. Be aware that heels can get stuck in the field. Caps may be decorated. Please see these cap decorating guidelines.
Graduates should arrive at CCHS in the auditorium at 7 am. They will march from CCHS to the graduation ceremony and will need access to return to CCHS after the ceremony. Plan accordingly. Pack light.