Class of 2026 Graduation
Sunday, June 28 @ 12 p.m. | MVP Arena 

Cap & gown ordering details:

• Students must place their order for their cap and gown via this Google Form by Friday, Feb. 13. We cannot guarantee the exact sizes for submissions that miss this deadline.
• Please note payment is separate from ordering and can be submitted any time before pick-up.
• Each $35 order includes a cap, gown, sash and 2026 tassel.

• Orders will be available for pick-up in the Annex Gym from noon to 4 p.m. on June 9 and 10. 

Senior meeting:

• There will be a meeting in the Albany High auditorium on Monday, June 8 during period 8 to help students prepare for graduation.
• During this gathering, Principal Jodi Commerford will review important graduation details and there will also be a rehearsal. 

The following details pertain to the day of graduation:

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.
• 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. 

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 2026 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. 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. Summer office hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m..-2 p.m.
• To keep everyone safe and avoid overcrowding, graduates must please exit the venue with their guests promptly and not loiter in the lobby.
• The ceremony is expected to conclude around 2:30 p.m.

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.

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