Seniors, Are You Ready?
New Prague High School Commencement Ceremony
Class of 2025
Friday, May 23 | 7:00 p.m. | New Prague Trojan Stadium
- In order to enter Trojan Stadium for graduation, all spectators must have a ticket.
- Gates will open to spectators no earlier than 6:00 pm.
- Specific Ticketing information will be shared as we get closer to the date. Tickets will be online for 2025 with more information and ticket allowances to be determined.
Commencement Ceremony Rain Dates- In case of inclement weather on May 23rd - the ceremony will be moved to Saturday, May 24th at 2:00 pm
- In the event, the first rain date is not a viable option, the second date is Sunday, May 25th at 2:00 pm
- Notification of changes in plans due to weather will be shared with graduates and parents via text.
Commencement Ceremony Ticketing Process
As our graduating classes continue to increase in size, we must develop systems to prevent overcrowding. To that end, all spectators must have a ticket to enter Trojan Stadium to watch the ceremony on Friday, May 23rd.
Ticket Requests/Distribution
- Tickets will allow seating inside the stadium (home bleachers, visitor bleachers, plaza, etc.). Only ticket holders will be allowed to enter the stadium.
- The number of tickets allowed/student will be determined and shared as we get closer to the date.
- Accommodated/Reserved Seating - will be determined as we get closer to the date.
Trojan Stadium Opening Time
Gates at Trojan Stadium will open at 6:00 pm. Seating in the bleachers is first-come-first-serve except for those with accommodated seating. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm.
Parking Information
- Spectators may park in the high school parking lot.
- If you have a family member who is unable to make the walk, there is a drop-off/pick up area designated directly in front of Trojan Stadium.
- Please do not park in the Falcon Ridge parking lot as that is reserved for graduate parking.
FAQs About the Ceremony From Graduates
Q. Does your gown fit properly?
A. Make sure to try on your gown before graduation day! Your gown should fit mid-calf for length and will probably be a little roomy. They are sized according to your height and weight. If sizing seems wrong, please contact the high school office to see if there is a replacement available.
Q. Do I need to dress up for the ceremony?
A. Even though you will be wearing a graduation gown, please wear formal attire to the ceremony. This means no shorts, tennis shoes, jeans, or flip-flops.
Q. Can we decorate our caps?
A. This is a very formal graduation ceremony. For that reason, we do not decorate caps. This helps maintain the formal pomp and circumstance that this community has come to expect.
Q. What is required attire for graduation?
A. Your graduation attire consists of the gown, cap, tassel, silver stole (all seniors minus NHS), red stole (NHS members), Honor Cord (Honor Students), Honor Cord (German NHS), and Medallion (High Honor Students). Don't forget to wear all of your items! Suggestion: You may want to use a safety pin or double-sided tape to hold the stole down to prevent it from blowing around or off if it is windy.
Q. Can I wear heels?
A. Because graduates process along a very long area of both turf and track, we ask that they do not wear heels, particularly to protect the tax-payer investment of the track. Wedges or block heels are acceptable.
Q. Can I wear a tassel or a cord of a different color to represent what I am doing in the future?
A. We are excited about your future plans and recognize those accomplishments during a variety of events at the end of the year. This particular event marks completion from New Prague Area Schools and for that reason, graduates may only wear school-issued graduation regalia. This helps maintain the formal pomp and circumstance that this community has come to expect from the ceremony.
Q. How will I know where to stand, sit and receive my diploma?
All of this will be thoroughly explained at practice so that you feel confident when it is time to graduate. Attendance at practice is mandatory unless there is prior communication with the front office regarding extenuating circumstances.
Q. When do I get my actual diploma?
A. During the ceremony all graduates will receive an empty diploma cover. You will receive your official diploma immediately following the ceremony once the staff has verified that all fees and obligations have been met.
Order Your Cap and Gown / Cap and Gown Distribution
Information regarding cap, gown and tassel has been collected and the order for all seniors has been submitted.
There is no charge for the cap, gown and tassel. If you wish to place an order for additional graduation items, you can place the order online with Jostens.
The distribution of the cap, gown and tassel will be during lunches (11:20 am-12:45 pm) on a date to be determined in late April or early May.
Submit Your Senior Picture & Grad Ads - (Due January 17, 2025)
Make sure to schedule your senior portrait session with ample time to submit by January 17th, 2025 final deadline. Keep in mind: photographers need time to edit after your portraits are taken.
Photo requirements: JPEG photo format; at least 300 dpi; vertical (portrait orientation) head/shoulder pose; no logo, studio or student names are allowed on portrait.
- All images must be submitted digitally and should be at least 300 dpi (digital)
- File format type JPEG (Please NOTE: You CANNOT save as Power Point, Word, Works)
- Taking prints of the portrait and then scanning is not encouraged. The quality is usually poor. Ask your photographer to submit the electronic image directly.
We would love to see your memories of your senior year!
Please name your JPEG photo file: last name,first name (Doe,John).
How do I submit my student's senior portrait?
You can start submitting your senior's portraits on September 13th, 2024. The final deadline to submit is January 17, 2025. Visit https://www.newpragueyearbook.com/seniors.html to submit.
- You must submit a portrait/vertical image
- No props allowed (athletic equipment, instruments, etc.)
- No Snapchat filters
- Senior portraits must be school appropriate
- The yearbook staff reserves the right to crop any submitted picture to meet these expectations.
The DEADLINE for submitting senior pictures and grad ads is Friday, January 17th. Meeting this deadline is crucial if you want to be included in our senior section, as we have deadlines we need to meet to get our yearbook to the printer. The grad ads (baby picture ads) in the yearbooks will be $25.00. The DEADLINE for senior pictures and graduation ads is January 17, 2025.
For MORE DETAILS, please explore the New Prague Yearbook website for ordering/submitting your senior picture and grad ads.
Grad Ad Information
What are grad ads?
Graduation ads are printed messages from loved ones to seniors celebrating their graduation. See sample below. Grad ads are published in the yearbook. They include a short message (250 characters/spaces or less), and a baby photo.
If you would like to gift your senior with a baby ad,you must both submit and purchase the ad for $25.00. We accept ad content and payment through online submission only.
How do I submit and purchase my student's grad ad?
Grad Ad submissions will start on September 18th, 2024. The final deadline is January 17, 2025.
Visit www.newpragueyearbook.com to submit and purchase your student's grad ad. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley at [email protected]
For the best pricing, don't forget to order a yearbook by March 31, 2025!
Senior Stroll
SENIOR STROLL TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Seniors may visit their former elementary school on the morning of Tuesday, May 21st at 9:30 am. Graduates should wear their graduation attire (caps & gowns) to visit the elementary students.
- Attendance is voluntary – not mandatory for seniors.
- It is recommended that you DO NOT wear your tassel - many have been lost during the stroll! (Replacement cost $5).
- Students who did not attend any of the NP area elementary schools may attend the stroll to Falcon Ridge.
- Students who do not attend, will remain in classes at the high school.
SENIOR STROLL SCHEDULE: The schedule listed below is from 2024. Times will be similar for 2025 and will be shared as we get closer to the date.
- Eagle View: Bus for Eagle View will depart at 9:15 am
- Falcon Ridge: Students who attended Falcon Ridge will walk from NPHS to Falcon Ridge – Depart at 9:25 am
- Raven Stream: Bus for Raven Stream will depart at 9:15 am
- Holy Cross: Van to Holy Cross will depart at 9:15 am
- St. Wenceslaus: Van for St. Wenceslaus will depart at 9:15 am
- Eagle View: Meet outside the main entrance at 9:30 am. Principal Dittberner will meet you.
- Falcon Ridge: Meet outside the main entrance at 9:30 a m – Principal Giesen will meet you. Park at the high school or the CLC and walk over.
- Raven Stream: Meet outside the main entrance at 9:30 am. Principal Engebretson will meet you.
- Holy Cross: Principal Grogan will be waiting with the staff to welcome seniors outside the school in Webster at 9:30 am
- St. Wenceslaus: Meet at St. Wenc. School. The Principal will be there to welcome you at 9:30 am.
SENIORS ARE EXPECTED TO RETURN TO SCHOOL AND ATTEND CLASSES THE REST OF THE DAY AFTER THE SENIOR STROLL.
TUESDAY, MAY 20th IS A SCHOOL DAY!
Graduation Fee (Due May 15, 2025)
FINES & FEES TO BE PAID
Please check your campus account for any fines/fees that you may have to be paid. All fines/fees need to be paid prior to picking up graduation gowns.
Fines/Fees may include:
- Graduation Fee - $30
- Chromebook Fee
- Class Fee
- Fines for missing books or materials
The $30.00 fee for graduation is used to help cover the expenses related to the graduation ceremony. The $30.00 charge will be applied to your student's Infinite Campus account. All students who are walking in the ceremony must pay the fee.
Please check in the high school office if you are not sure about an unpaid fee. Any fees accrued after picking up their graduation gowns, will need to be paid prior to graduation practice on May 23rd.
Graduation Practice
Graduation Practice - Friday - May 23, 2025
Graduation practice for Seniors will be held at Trojan Stadium on Friday, May 23rd with the times to be determined. Last year’s practice was held from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Times for 2025 will be similar. Practice will be held rain or shine. Attendance at practice is MANDATORY if you plan to participate in the ceremony that evening.
Senior Send Off
SENIOR SEND-OFF SIGN-UP
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - (12:00 noon - 4:00 pm)
Site: Next Chapter Event Center
Senior Send-off is not a school-sponsored event. This is organized by a parent-volunteer group. If you have questions or concerns, please direct them to: [email protected]
2025 - Senior Send-Off Registration
Senior Send-off, a tradition at New Prague HIgh School, is a celebration that provides a safe, alcohol/chemical free and fun opportunity for the Class of 2025 to gather. Seniors will be provided games, entertainment, food and prizes.
Get ready to celebrate in style as we send off our incredible Class of 2025 with an unforgettable night! In order to ensure this event is a success – WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Casino Games: Show off your skills and rack up more prizes!
Amazing Prizes: We've got some epic giveaways you won't want to miss!
Food Trucks: Bring your appetite-we will have something for everyone!
Entertainment: We will have more than just casino games, lots of entertainment to keep the seniors busy!
This will be one last big bash to make memories before you step into your next adventure. Mark your calendars now, more information will be sent out from the Senior Sendoff Committee as we get closer to the date, including the registration sign up.
DONATE
If you or someone you know, such as your employer, would like to make a donation of money or merchandise, please contact [email protected].
VOLUNTEER
To be successful, an event like this takes a lot of people - no amount of time is too short to be unappreciated. Reach out to the Senior Send Off planning group at [email protected]with questions or to express interest in volunteering to help us plan this fun event.
Questions or Need More Information
Follow us on Facebook: New Prague Class of 2025 Guardians - https://www.facebook.com/ groups/555080753257710
Questions?: Reach out to [email protected] or text Holly Herrmann at 651-208-0753
