May 18, 2026
Good afternoon Abington High School families,
Unless there is a significant shift in the weather, we are optimistic that the schedule for the seniors last day, Thursday May 21st, will occur as originally scheduled. Here is a reminder of the schedule of events for that day and other end of year events.
Seniors Last Day, Thursday, May 21
Students must arrive by 7:25 am to attend Homeroom and remain through the end of Bridge Block (10:53 am).
Students should wear their senior t-shirt.
Car Decoration in Faculty Lot - Seniors that are looking to participate in the car parade may park in the AHS faculty lot.
Students will then enjoy a parent-sponsored breakfast and yearbook signing. After breakfast and yearbooks, caps and gowns will be distributed to students. Caps & gowns, together with final instructions for graduation, records of immunizations and permanent records will be included in the packets handed to students.
Students must fulfill their obligations (e.g., return books, athletic equipment, laptops, chargers, pay fines, administrative obligations, pay for cap and gown, etc.) before they receive their caps and gowns.
The senior class officers will be presenting a slideshow with their classmates following the Senior Breakfast. After the slide show, the senior class will be dismissed for the car parade.
Car Parade - Starting at approximately 10:12 am, seniors will participate in the traditional car parade around Gliniewicz Way and the school parking lot to say goodbye to the school and their classmates, weather permitting.
Senior Reception: Students should arrive at the AMS cafeteria at 3:45 pm for the Receiving Line. Students must ride the buses if they plan to attend. The buses will leave the AHS parking lot at 4:30 pm and return to AHS at 10:30 pm.
Graduation Rehearsal, Senior Stroll, Friday, May 29th
Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal begins at 8:30 am (note earlier time). Seniors should bring their caps and gowns with them for rehearsal.
Senior Stroll from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Members of the Class of 2026 will revisit the schools they attended for grades K-12 in caps and gowns to bring their education full-circle. The stroll will provide a moment of inspiration to other students, and staff will have an opportunity to see their former students. A picnic, hosted by senior parents, will be held at Reilly Field following the stroll.
Additional Senior Events Reminder
Tuesday, May 26th - Music Banquet at AHS outdoor dining area and cafeteria at 5:30 pm
Wednesday, May 27th - Seniors’ Athletic Banquet in the Middle School Cafeteria at 6:30 pm
Thursday, May 28th - Senior Awards Evening in the Auditorium at 7:00 pm. This is a formal event. Appropriate dress is required (no jeans, t-shirts, shorts, or hats). While award recipients have been sent special invitations, this event is open to the community.
Saturday, May 30th Graduation Day: Commencement exercises will be held on the front lawn at AHS at 10:00 am weather permitting.
❖ On the day of graduation, seniors should arrive in the AMS cafeteria by 9:30 am. The parking lot adjacent to the middle school will be reserved for seniors.
❖ Seniors should arrive wearing their caps and gowns, with the tassel on the right side of the cap. (The class valedictorian will signal you to shift the tassels from right to left at the end of the graduation ceremony, signifying that you have graduated.) While seniors are allowed to decorate their graduation caps, we reserve the right to prohibit a cap which has been inappropriately and/or offensively decorated.
❖ Seniors will be called individually to the stage to be presented a diploma. Inter-State Studio will be taking professional photos of each graduate on the stage with diploma in hand.
❖ The ceremony will be live broadcast by Abington CAM (Comcast channel 14 and Verizon channel 26).
❖ In case of a forecast of inclement weather for Saturday, May 30th, the ceremony will be moved into the Auditorium.
❖ Graduation is a formal event staged as much for parents and grandparents as for the graduates. I ask that you join school officials in urging appropriate decorum and attire for all participants and their guests.
❖ Seniors will receive the following information sheet with their cap and gown.
I am sure we are all hoping for favorable weather for these events, and we will continue to notify our Abington learning community of any changes as they arise. Thank you for your attention on these updated plans, and please contact the school if you have any questions.
Regards,
Jonathan Bourn
Principal
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Congratulations, Seniors!
From years of experience, we know that these days before graduation are filled with so many things to do and roller coaster emotions. Take care of yourself, your friends and your family who care so much about you.
This package contains your cap and gown which will be wrinkled. Please take them out before graduation to steam or iron them. Also in this package for you to keep is your report card, immunization records, Individual Education Plan (if appropriate), temporary records and information about school records. Please place your immunization records in a safe place as you may need them for future reference.
Graduation practice will be held on Friday, May 29th at 8:30 am in the auditorium, and attendance is mandatory.
After graduation practice, share with your parents which door you will enter, where you will be sitting and how you will receive your diploma so they can choose their seats for a better view of you receiving your diploma.
On Saturday, May 30th all seniors must arrive by 9:30 am. Park in the Abington Middle School staff parking lot and meet in the AMS cafeteria.
To ensure the dignity of the ceremony, dress appropriately. Graduation is a formal ceremony; jeans and shorts are not allowed.
Graduation is important for your parents and relatives as well as for you. Please show your respect to our guests and your fellow graduates by maintaining a dignified ceremony. Disruptions to the ceremony will not be tolerated.
Remind your parents that Inter-State Studio partnering with PhotoDay will be providing professional photography services at Graduation. Families can visit the website below a few days after the ceremony to view and purchase the photos they choose (including any general candids), or scan the QR code on the attached flyer which will prompt PhotoDay to send them a text message when the photos from Abington HS are ready to view.
Direct link to photo gallery: https://my.photoday.com/g/AHSGRAD2026
When you march in, stay in step. Your head should be up, and, by all means, “smile”.
Before graduation, tassels should be worn to the right. After diplomas are given out, Class Valedictorian Miranda Vacon will signal you to shift the tassels from right to left, signifying that you have graduated.
At the end of graduation, the Honor Guard will lead you to the sidewalk where you can meet your family and friends. You are welcome to return to take pictures in front of the podium which should make an attractive background.