Class of 2025

Dear seniors and Falcon families, 

We are so proud of what you have accomplished here at Albany High, and are excited to share information about graduation. Additional details will be made available on this page, and we will continue to share updates and information as we get closer to graduation.

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Graduation 2025 will be held on Sunday, June 29 at the MVP Arena, with the ceremony beginning promptly at noon. 

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Cap and gown information 

LATE ORDERS: closes Friday, May 30:

• The ordering window closed on April 11, but graduates can place late orders through May 30 by visiting their academy office (Abrookin main office for GED/NGT graduates).
• We cannot guarantee the exact size requested, but we will put aside the closest match we have available among the extra caps and gowns for pick up with the other orders.

GRADUATES WHO ORDERED BY FRIDAY, MAY 30:

• Pick up will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on TUESDAY, JUNE 10 in the annex gym.
• Honor cords and Class of 2025 lawn signs will also be available for pick up.

GRADUATES WHO DID NOT ORDER AHEAD:

• Extra caps and gowns will be available for fitting sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 in the annex gym for those who did not place an order by May 30.
• Honor cords, lawn signs, and unclaimed orders will also be available for pick up.

PAYMENT:

• Each set includes a cap, gown, sash, and 2025 tassel for $25.
• Payments can be made through the last day of class, Monday, June 16.
• Please visit the main office to pay in cash or pay digitally via MySchoolBucks.

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Returning school property; paying for lost items

In order to receive a diploma, graduates must return all school property and pay any outstanding balances prior to graduation, including exam fees, library books, textbooks, athletic uniforms and parking passes. Seniors can return Chromebooks to their academy office and should report any damages.

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Senior meeting and graduation rehearsal

• All seniors will report to the auditorium during period 6 on JUNE 4 for a meeting with Ms. Commerford in preparation for graduation day.
• We will review in detail the requirements for graduation, upcoming dates and deadlines and the expectations and procedures for the big day.
• We will also rehearse the procession.

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Senior field day and cap decorating

• Graduates are invited to decorate their caps during Senior Field Day! Seniors will be called out to the stadium starting at 1:30 p.m. for their field day. Please bring your cap, we will provide the supplies! And lots of other fun activities.
• Our Top 10 graduates are invited to take a group photo with Ms. Commerford at noon: wear your college merch and meet at the Main Office!

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Graduation day – Sunday, June 29 at noon, MVP Arena 

STUDENT ARRIVAL:

• Graduates will arrive no earlier than 10:30 a.m. and no later than 11:00 a.m. We strongly encourage graduates to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
• All graduates must enter the MVP Arena through the Beaver Street entrance and pass through routine security checks like they do at school.
• They will then be directed to “check-in” tables (look for signs for your academy/program, e.g.‘CIT’ or ‘NGT’) and receive a procession card with instructions on how to line up.

GUEST ARRIVAL:

• Doors open to guests at 11 a.m. at the main entrance on Pearl Street.
• Tickets are not required.
• The venue is wheelchair accessible and features reserved, accessible seating.
• Balloons are not permitted inside the venue. A co-sponsored AHS fundraiser will offer flowers and other gifts in the lobby. Pre-order flowers at this link.

THE CEREMONY:

• The venue doors will close and the ceremony will begin promptly at noon.
•  After filing in, graduates will remain standing until invited to have a seat by Ms. Commerford. When the time comes, graduates will be ushered by row to line up to cross the stage.
• Before crossing the stage, graduates will hand their procession cards to the announcers and clarify how to pronounce their names.
• Graduates MUST remain seated for the entire duration of the ceremony and exit with the recessional as a class.

AFTER THE CEREMONY:

• The Class of 2025 will exit the arena in a recessional, just like how they enter. They will be directed to the same backstage area where they lined up so they can pick up their diplomas and lawn signs before exiting into the lobby. Students who are unable to get their diploma the day of graduation can pick it up during the summer at the Albany High main office. 
• To keep everyone safe and avoid overcrowding, graduates must please exit the venue with their guests promptly and not loiter in the lobby – photographs should be taken outside.
• The ceremony is expected to conclude around 2:30 p.m.

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Graduation requirements: grades and exams

• Final/Regents examinations and class attendance are critically important for graduation.
• Seniors must report to exams on time, pass all courses and meet all requirements to graduate.
• If you have any questions or concerns about this, contact your student’s school counselor or academy principal:
  • Citizenship Academy Principal: Emily Lawyer – (518) 475-6220
  • Discovery Academy Principal: Jordan Goldman – (518) 475-6230
  • Innovation Academy Principal: Richard Shea – (518) 475-6240
  • Leadership Academy Principal: Michaela Miranda – (518) 475-6250
  • Abrookin Night School Coordinators: Greg Baker & Peter Justice – (518) 475-6416
  • Abrookin AHSEP (GED) Coordinator: John Rosenzweig (DIS) – (518) 475-6230
  • Tony Clement Education Center (TCCE) Principal: Chris Martel – (518) 475-6525

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I am so proud of this year’s graduating class, for all you have accomplished during your time as a Falcon, and for making it across this momentous finish line. I am so looking forward to celebrating with you all.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at 518-475-6200 or jcommerford@albany.k12.ny.us.

Jodi Commerford
Principal