Inaugural Commencement May 23, 2009

1. West Forsyth High School Class of 2011 Tuesday, May 31st Inaugural Commencement May 23, 2009 Graduation Information

2. Day and Time • Arena- Gwinnett Civic Center • Tuesday, May 31st • Ceremony begins at 7 PM • Graduates MUST arrive no later than4:45 PM

3. Information for Guests . . . • No tickets are required as there is plenty of seating (9000 seats) – seating is on a first come, first serve basis. • Doors to the arena will not open for guest seating until 6:00 PM. • Guest are NOT allowed on the floor at any time. • Programs will be available in the lobby of the Arena. • Vendors available (flowers and stuffed animals). • Concession stand will be open for refreshments.

4. Additional Information . . . • You may NOT bring balloons, beach balls, signs, noise-makers of any kind into the Arena (Gwinnett Arena security will escort you out of the building). • Handicapped Assistance is provided at the drop-off area at the front of the Arena. However a limited number of wheelchairs are available. • ***After the ceremony, the graduates will walk up the aisles at the very back of the Arena, then process outside for the traditional tossing of their caps. Please vacate the Arena as quickly as possible in order to enjoy this wonderful “capping” of the ceremony.

5. Graduates---Before leaving for graduation ***Make sure that you and your family determine exactly where you will meet after the ceremony as you cannot re-enter the Arena. (Remember you will not have your cell phone !!!! )

6. Proper Attire for Gentleman Graduates--- Please remember that this is a formal recognition and you should dress to reflect this occasion. • White-collared dress shirt • Tie (optional)‏ • Dark slacks or khakis • Dress shoes (socks match color of shoes) (no flip-flops or tennis shoes/sneakers)

7. Proper Attire for Lady Graduates Please remember that this is a formal recognition and you should dress to reflect this occasion. • Sunday dress (no longer than your robe)‏ • Be careful with design patterns as they can show through your robe. • Dress Shoes – Keep heels low and/or wide as you will be walking up steep steps in front of a huge audience! (no tennis shoes or flip-flops) • Please do not wear the white collar that came with your graduation gown.

8. Parking & Entrance • Everyone (graduates and guests) will enter the Gwinnett Arena property off of Satellite Blvd. • Graduates must show each parking attendant their graduation caps to be directed to graduate parking. • Parents and other guests, you will be directed to assigned guest parking.

9. Entrance to Arena – Graduates Only • Enter Gwinnett Arena through the back, side entrance (people to direct you). • Do not enter with robe on. Have your cap and tassel in hand and gown over your arm. (Don’t lose your tassel !!!!!) • The only item that you can bring in with you is your car keys. • All other items will be confiscated and you will have to come by WFHS on Wednesday, June 1st after 10:00 a.m.

10. Guest Entrance (Front)

11. Information for Graduates Only!!! Do not bring anything inside the building! • No cell phones, no electronics • No purses or bags of any kind • No make-up Except for keys, everything else will be confiscated and you will have to come to school the following day to retrieve your items.

12. Entering the Floor • After clearing security, you will go to the arena floor. • Once on the floor, staff members will tell you where to sit. • On your seat, you will find a name card. • Do NOT lose your card! This is the card that you MUST hold onto and hand to the reader as you come up to receive your diploma.

13. Practice • Once everyone is seated, we will have one practice. • You will recess out of the arena into the hallways, and then re-enter, and then recess out again. Do not leave anything at your chair after practice. • You MUST remain in line. DO NOT lose your card. • Staff members will be in the hallway to assist you. Ask their permission before leaving the line for ANY reason.

14. Ceremony • You will be seated alphabetically. • You will exit the rows to your left, walk to the reader (Ms. Duncan or Mr. Rockelein), and hand your name card to the reader. • The reader will call your name. At that time, you will walk in front of the stage, shake hands with Dr. Evans, receive your diploma, get your picture taken and return to your seat. (We will show you at the Arena during practice beforehand.)

15. Post Ceremony Faculty will file up and line the exit stairs to the front of the Arena. Graduates will recess up the stairs and exit the building. Upon a signal from the photographer, graduates will toss your cap into the air. If you want to keep your cap as a graduation keepsake, please make sure after the toss you have one in hand. We are not responsible for caps left behind.

16. Map of Arena A Stage B

17. Your Diploma Pickup • Wednesday, June 1st • WFHS Counseling Office • 9:00 -11:00 AM & 1:00 – 3:00 PM

18. Important Announcements • Honor cord distribution from organizations, please see your sponsor. • Senior Dues / Caps and Gowns (if you have not paid senior dues, you do not have a cap and gown ---- so will not be able to participate in graduation ceremony). • Final Transcript Form completion. (See your counselor.)

19. Senior Breakfast • Please enter through the 1600 hallway. • Proceed to either food line. • Be seated as quickly as possible. • Once most students are seated, formal program will begin. • Prior to departure, you will must stop by your assigned table to receive your afternoon intention form (complete before you leave), final transcript request form, blue envelope, yearbook. • If you owe fees, see Ms. Moree. • If you have not picked up cap & gown please ask for it at your assigned table.

20. Any Questions ????