Senior Commencement Packet 2022

 

 

COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION

 

Bel Air High School Class of 2022

 

 

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Wednesday, June 8, 2022

1:00 PM

(Doors open at 12:00 PM)

 

Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium

(873 Long Drive, Aberdeen, Maryland 21001)

 

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Commencement  Information

 

Tickets:

  • In order to receive tickets, seniors must turn in laptops, textbooks, sports equipment and uniforms, library books, and pay outstanding obligations.
  • Each Senior will receive 6 tickets total for the graduation ceremony. 
  • LOST TICKETS CANNOT BE REPLACED; pictures of your ticket will not replace a physical ticket.


Graduates:

  • All graduates are invited to attend.  You will receive an online form to let us know if you will be attending the ceremony. * 
  • Report to back field parking lot to the far right of the main entrance by 12:15 PM.
  • Cap, gown, and appropriate attire are required (see dress code further in the packet).  Many reminders have been sent to those who have not yet placed their Cap and Gown orders with Jostens – delivery at this point cannot be guaranteed in time for graduation, but our best efforts will be made.

* If attending In-Person Graduation poses a health risk to you or the graduate due to COVID-19, please contact the front office to make alternate arrangements to pick up diploma after graduation day.

Electronics, Photos, and Videos:

  • Please silence all cell phones and electronic devices during the ceremony as to not interrupt speeches, names being announced and interfering with the stadium’s sound system.
  • Guests must remain at their seats and seated when taking photos and/or videos as to not block others. 
  • All graduates will be professionally photographed as they receive their diploma.  All seniors will be given a Lifetouch website address and a password to access all the images that will be posted online from graduation.  Ordering will be done online.
  • A Youtube link will be provided which will Live Stream the event.

Arrival and Seating:

  • Plenty of parking is available for all guests, as well as Wheelchair/Special Needs parking and seating.
  • PLEASE ALLOW AMPLE TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO PARK.  If you arrive after the ceremony begins, you will need to wait for an appropriate time to be seated.
  • Enter through main gate only (opens at 12:00 PM)
  • Seating is first-come, first-served, as seats are not assigned or reserved.
  • Ramps are provided to the lower level for guests with mobility impairments; there is seating available on the main level as well.


Processional/Recessional:

  • All Seniors will process along the 1st and 3rd base lines (alphabetically and in single file) so that everyone can get a perfect picture of their graduate! 
  • All Seniors will recess along the 1st base line and will report back to the parking lot in order to receive all official documents.
  • A diagram of the route, as well as the diploma presentation, are provided on the last page.
  • Guests are to remain seated until all graduates have exited the stadium and are not permitted to stand near the exits at the stadium.
  • Guests will meet their graduates in the parking lot.


Audience Expectations:

  • We have taken great efforts to make our graduation a day our students will remember, as it is a memorable event for all involved.  We are asking all guests to respect this ceremony by dressing appropriately, refraining from calling out, and remaining seated as the graduates both enter and exit the field (no standing around the concourse). 
  • The following are not permitted in the Stadium: Smoking, Strollers, Large Purses/Bags, Balloons, Food
  • Please keep supervision over younger siblings to maintain respect for the ceremony.


Graduate Information and Expectations for the Remainder of the Year:

  • Seniors will be notified by School Counselors regarding meeting the requirements for graduation.
  • Candidates participating in the ceremony must be in attendance for the May 25 practice (located on the BAHS Turf)– and be PROMPT!  All emergencies must be communicated to Mrs. Yost.  If employed, you must contact your employer now to make arrangements to be in attendance.  Practice will end at approximately 12:00PM.
  • Candidates are reminded that acceptable behavior is a requirement for graduation practice.  All policies of the Board of Education of Harford County are in effect at the above referenced events.
  • All apparel must be in compliance with current dress code standards for graduation.  Appropriate attire is an important aspect of ceremonies at which Caps and Gowns are worn.  Harford County Public School’s dress code as well as the following requirements apply:

    The surface on the Leidos Field is new artificial turf.  The venue staff have advised HCPS that students are not permitted to wear heels as they pose a tripping hazard and could damage the artificial turf field. 

  • Gown must be zipped; No items (handbags, backpacks, string bags) are permitted to be carried or worn with cap and gown attire during the Processional.
  • Please hold on to your cap, gown and tassel (do not leave it unattended); they are easily lost and difficult to replace.
  • During graduation lineup, restrooms on the concourse will be open.  You may bring a drink in a disposable bottle – must be disposed of in trash cans before the processional. 


Graduate Attire/Dress Code:

  • Dress or skirt/dress pants/blouse combination in white/light color  and style appropriate for a formal ceremony.
  • Dress pants/khakis light in color (no denim jeans, cargo pants, shorts, sweat pants or yoga pants/leggings).
  • White (preferred) or light-colored dress shirt with collar and appropriate tie.
  • Socks in a light color or Natural colored nylons or pantyhose (if desired).
  • Dress shoes – no pointy heels, only flats, wedges, platforms, sandals, and espadrilles will be permitted (no beach flip flops, tennis shoes, slippers, or boots.  A boat shoe similar to a Sperry may be worn.
  • Cap is worn flat, with tassel hanging on the student’s right side (no decorations on cap or gown other than cords and stoles).  Bring some bobby pins (about 6 to keep your cap on).


Rose Arch Graduation Display

A long-standing tradition at Bel Air High School, rose arches are constructed by members of the Junior Class for graduates to walk under during the processional.  There will be a total of 12 rose arches on the field (4 near 1st base, 4 at home plate, and 4 at 3rd base.   If you know of anyone in the community that would like to donate their home-grown roses to our arch displays, please contact Deanna Smith at [email protected]



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Click to RSVP for graduation, request additional tickets (if you need more than 6) and family members that are hearing impaired (you must do this from your student's HCPS account):  https://forms.office.com/r/B5aH6D2zXu