Graduation

Desert Ridge High School: Class of 2026 Graduation Information

Gates will be closing promptly at 6:45pm for the graduation ceremony beginning at 7pm. So please arrive early.

I. Mandatory Meeting & Jostens: Wednesday, April 22nd
Mandatory Meeting: All graduates, including Junior and December graduates, must attend the meeting during JCT.
Jostens Supplies: On-site outside the library during both lunches for cash-only purchases ($75) and order deliveries.
EVIT Students: Attendance is excused from EVIT upon signing in with Ms. Veronica after the meeting.

II. Immediate Requirements & Deadlines: (By May 1st)
Academic & Financial Clearance: Monitor grades/attendance and resolve all outstanding fees with the Bookstore, Library, Athletics, and Music departments.
External Transcripts: Students completing concurrent coursework outside of GPS (EX: Primavera) must ensure transcripts are submitted to DRHS.
Participation: If you choose not to participate in the commencement ceremony, you must complete the required online form. Not Walking at Graduation Form

III. Key Graduation Events:
Monday, May 11th: Seating assignments will be posted on the library windows by 12:00 PM.
Sunday, May 17th (Baccalaureate):
Registration: Complete by May 1st. Baccalaureate Sign Up
Schedule: Report to the Cafeteria in cap and gown at 2:30 PM; ceremony begins at 3:00 PM in the Auditorium.
Thursday, May 21st (Graduation Day):
Mandatory Rehearsal: 6:30 AM in the Gymnasium; attendance is required to walk in the ceremony.
Commencement Ceremony: 7:00 PM at the Stadium (Gates open at 5:00 PM).
Graduate Check-in: Report to the gym by 6:30 PM. Late arrivals will not be permitted to participate.

IV. Attire & Conduct
Required Dress: Official Jostens black caps and gowns must be worn without alterations. Tassels must remain on the right side of the cap.
Gentlemen: Dress shirt, dress pants, socks, and dress shoes (no jeans or shorts).
Ladies: Dress or blouse with dress pants and dress shoes.
Prohibited Items: No pranks, noisemakers, balloons, signs, or beach balls. Prohibited items will be
confiscated, and disruptive behavior or possession of illegal substances will result in immediate removal and disciplinary action.

V. Guest Information
Seating: Stadium and Auditorium (livestream) seating is first-come, first-served; doors open at 5:00PM.
Handicapped Seating: Limited track-level seating (max 2 helpers per graduate) must be requested via the online form by May 1st.
Photography: Individual graduate photos by GradImages will be available for online viewing after the
ceremony. 

Coolers: There will only be small ice chests allowed in the stadium

If you have any questions please see Veronica in the administration office, or call (480) 984-8947 ext. 1100

**Security Protocols: (Per school policy) Only clear bags and clear disposable water bottles are permitted. All guests must pass through weapons detectors.

Desert Ridge High School will be holding graduation at the football field for the Class of 2026 on May 21st, 2026. Anyone wishing to join us, seating will be open, and weapon detectors will be operating for all coming in.