Graduation/ Senior Information

Graduation & Senior Activities 2025

Welcome, Class of 2025, to the El Monte High School Commencement Ceremony! We are thrilled to celebrate your achievements. Please review the following important information to ensure a memorable and smooth graduation experience.

Cap & Gown, Rings, and More

Jostens is our official vendor for all your graduation needs, including caps, gowns, announcements, and class rings.

• Cap & Gown Distribution Day: Thursday, May 29, 2025, after 5th/6th periods in the Quad.

Commencement Ceremony Information

• Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025

• Location: El Monte Stadium

• Parking Lot Opening: 5:00 PM (Class of 2028 Softball Field fundraiser lot on Mildred for a $10 donation)

• Stadium Gates Open: 6:00 PM

• Ceremony Time: Promptly at 7:00 PM (lasting approximately two hours)

Ticket Information

Due to the limited size of our stadium, each graduate will receive 3 complimentary tickets.

• Additional Ticket Sales: Families may purchase up to two (2) additional tickets for $10.00 each (CASH ONLY). These will be available after complimentary tickets are distributed to students following graduation practice on Thursday, June 5th.

Parking

El Monte High School has one main parking lot, street parking, and a fundraiser parking lot run by the Class of 2028 on Mildred (softball field) for a $10 donation. We anticipate a large crowd, so early arrival is highly recommended.

Mandatory Graduation Rehearsals

All seniors participating in the commencement ceremony are required to attend the following rehearsals in the stadium:

• Dates: Monday, June 2; Tuesday, June 3; Wednesday, June 4; and Thursday, June 5

• Time: 8:30 AM daily

Student Responsibilities & Attire

• Arrival for Ceremony: Students must report to their assigned classroom by 4:00 PM on Thursday, June 5th. Punctual attendance for both rehearsals and the ceremony is mandatory.

• Cap & Gown: Distributed on Thursday, May 29th, immediately following 5th/6th periods.

• Footwear: High-heeled shoes are NOT permitted on the artificial turf field, as they can cause damage and are a tripping hazard. Wedge shoes with flat soles or comfortable flat shoes are recommended. You may change into other footwear after the ceremony.

• Etiquette: Graduates are expected to enter the stadium in an orderly manner and remain seated during most of the ceremony. To ensure every graduate has their moment in the spotlight, noisy or visual distractions (e.g., noise-makers, balloons, fireworks, beach balls, or other distractions) are strictly prohibited in the stadium. Students violating these policies will be removed from the ceremony.

• Diplomas: Graduates will receive a diploma cover during the ceremony. The actual diplomas will be distributed at an alternate location immediately following the ceremony. Graduates not participating in the ceremony may pick up their diplomas from their counselor after June 5th, between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Please call the Guidance Office first to verify availability.

• Outstanding Fines: All outstanding fines (library, athletic, activities, or Chromebook) MUST be settled on or before May 29th to pick up your cap/gown and tickets.

Parent/Visitor Information

• Arrival Times: Parking lots open at 5:00 PM. Stadium gates open at 6:00 PM.

• Seating: Seating in the stadium bleachers and additional seating on the track is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Handicap Seating: Our track seating is easily handicap accessible and highly recommended. Limited designated handicap seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the ceremony is outdoors; check the weather and plan accordingly.

• Meeting Graduates: Parents and guests are not permitted on the stadium field at any time before or during the ceremony. Following the ceremony, graduates will proceed to a designated area to pick up their actual diplomas. Parents and guests can meet their graduates in the Quad (Library) area of campus. Photo opportunities will be available there. All guests will be directed to exit the stadium after the ceremony.

• Prohibited Items: Umbrellas, balloons, coolers, signs, fireworks, beach balls, air horns, or other obnoxious noise makers are not allowed in the stadium. These items can obstruct views and create disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• When do we receive our graduation tickets and caps & gowns?

  • Caps and Gowns: Thursday, May 29th, after 5th/6th periods.

  • Tickets: During rehearsal on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

• Can I arrive early and save seats or wait in line?

  • No, the stadium is closed until gates open. Any items placed in the stadium prior to opening will be removed. Gates open one hour prior to the ceremony.

• Will there be enough handicap parking spots?

  • Handicap parking is located on-site and is limited. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Will anything be done about the weather?

  • The ceremony is outdoors. Please check the weather forecast before the event and dress accordingly. Bring layers if cooler weather is expected, as re-entry to the stadium is not permitted.

• Can my graduate wear leis and other sorts of regalia during the ceremony?

  • Leis may be worn. Only school-provided or approved regalia (such as cords, stoles, and medals directly related to and approved by El Monte High School, typically distributed during senior awards) may be worn during the ceremony.

• What should graduates wear under their gowns and on their feet?

  • Wear comfortable clothing under your gown, keeping in mind family photos after the ceremony (many graduates choose dress clothes). Absolutely no high heels on the turf; they will damage the field and can cause you to fall. Flats or wedges are required.

• Can graduates decorate their caps?

  • Yes, graduates are permitted to decorate their caps.

• Will there be a photographer taking pictures of graduates receiving their diplomas?

  • Yes, our official high school photographer will be taking pictures during the ceremony. Information on accessing these photos will be emailed to you the week following the ceremony.

Grad Night 2025

• Location: Disneyland

• Date: Friday, June 6th

• Departure: Students will depart by school bus on Friday morning.

• Return: Students will return Saturday morning around 3:00 AM.

• Important Note: Grad Night is an all-day event. Tickets are currently SOLD OUT.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding graduation or need more information, please contact our Activities Office at (626) 444-7701 ext. 1811.