Graduation Letter to Parents

April 26, 2025     

Dear Class of 2025 and Parents,

On Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m., Wichita High School East will celebrate its One Hundred Forty-Seventh Commencement Ceremony at Wichita State University – Charles Koch Arena, located at the corner of 21^st and Hillside. Graduating from high school is a combination of years of hard work and academic perseverance.

Each person (Age 1 or older) MUST have a ticket for entry; 15 guest admission tickets will be available only for each graduate who complete the following:

• Must be eligible to Graduate
• Laptop & Charger turned in
• No Obligations/Fines
• All Textbooks/Library Books turned in

This letter does not guarantee your senior will be able to graduate. Seniors must complete all Learning Center classes by May 9^th and meet ALL graduation requirements by May 15^th to participate in the graduation ceremony. Also, seniors must have a navy blue cap and gown in order to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.  Students may order online at www.jostens.com or over the phone at: 316-681-2000.

To ensure the safety of all attendees, we will continue to use the district’s scanning equipment at the entrances to all graduation ceremonies and will be following WSU’s clear bag policy, so please arrive early in order to be in your seats prior to the processional at 7 p.m. Doors will be open for general seating at 5:30 p.m. Additionally, please do not bring posters, noisemakers, silly string, balloons, food or drinks. These items will not be permitted into the arena. We want to provide a commencement ceremony our students and community can remember with pride.

Due to several construction projects at WSU, please utilize the following web address, www.wichita.edu/parking, for the latest parking on campus. Please allow time to walk to the arena if you end up needing to use parking that is not near the graduation venue.

During the ceremony, eligible graduates will receive an envelope with their diploma, any earned certificates, and/or an obligation letter. Also within the envelope, a private company not associated with Wichita High School East is offering their services if you would like to take advantage of them. These companies are offering ways to remember this special occasion by means of still photography and/or video. Please follow the information on the inserts for purchasing their services.

What to Wear:

1. How to Dress for Graduation (under the gown): Men generally wear dark trousers and a dress shirt and tie under their gowns. Women usually wear a light or white dress that is shorter than the gown so it does not hang below the robe. Caps CANNOT be decorated.
2. How to Wear a Graduation Cap: The high school graduation cap is worn flat on the head, one point of the square facing forward (like a diamond).
3. High school graduation tassel: Tassels are worn on the right side at the start of the graduation ceremony and will be flipped to the left when graduates receive their diplomas.

Important Dates

• May 7
  • Senior Signing Night - Front Lawn 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Each senior will receive a free graduation lawn sign. Seniors only. Students can sign the Senior 2025 Banner & pick up their 2024-2025 Yearbook. All financial obligations must be taken care of by 7:30 pmSenior
  • Sunset – East High Turf 7:30 pm. Bring your own blankets and lawn games. Ice cream and popsicles will be provided.
• May 9
  • All Learning Center classes must be completed for credits to count towards graduation.
• May 15
  • Last day for Seniors, Ticket distribution, Device Check-in                      
• May 22
  • Senior Breakfast - East High Front Lawn, we will begin serving at 8:00 am. Seniors only. It is tradition for seniors to wear white.
  • Graduation Practice - Charles Koch Arena, 9:45 am, Enter through the Main Entrance.          
  • Graduation Ceremony – Charles Koch Arena, 7:00 pm, Be there by 5:45 pm

 

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Wichita High School East, I want to express my appreciation to each of you for the trust, support, and confidence you have shown by allowing your student to be educated at Wichita High School East. We extend our best wishes to all the graduates and their families.

Sincerely,

Sara Richardson
Principal
Wichita High School East