Dear Senior Parents,

Good afternoon, and happy spring! As we return from Spring Break, we are excited to look ahead with the Class of 2026 to the many senior events on the horizon.

While lengthy, this communication contains important information concerning end-of-year activities for our seniors. We ask that you read it in its entirety and review the information with your child so everyone is informed about events and behavioral expectations.

There is a condensed table at the end with all events and the most important details for quick reference. We look forward to celebrating the tremendous growth and inspiring achievements of this senior class.

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Seniors’ Last Days at Catholic Central

It is very important that seniors maintain appropriate behavior during their final days at Catholic Central. We met with them as a group on March 26th to encourage them to finish the year as leaders and exemplars of CC students. At this meeting, we shared how much we have appreciated their overall leadership as a class to this point. They are, indeed, an impressive group of young men and women and have set a positive example for the rest of the school in many areas throughout the year.

At this meeting, we also emphasized the potential for serious consequences—including suspension, expulsion, or loss of senior privileges (prom, graduation, etc.)—that could result from any inappropriate behavior between now and the end of the school year. Our goal in emphasizing this is to prevent such events from occurring. We will work closely with students to plan fun celebrations that fall within school rules, and we encourage them to come to us with any ideas they may have.

Please take time to talk with your senior regarding the choices they will make through the end of the school year and the potential consequences of those choices. Please do not permit your student to participate in any senior prank that jeopardizes a positive finish to their senior year.

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Senior Exams

Final exams for seniors will be given on Monday, May 11th (carriers 2, 4, 6, and 8) and Tuesday, May 12th (carriers 1, 3, 5, and 7). These exams are in their regular scheduled carriers. Students who are exempt from exams do not need to attend on these days. Exam exemption policies can be found in our student handbook and by contacting teachers for class-specific policies. As a senior privilege, the students are allowed to "dress down" on their exam days (dress down day guidelines apply). If dressed inappropriately, they will not be permitted to take those exams. Failure to show up for a final exam will result in an “incomplete” as a grade and thus no credit for the class. This could affect credits for graduation.

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Seniors' Last Mass, Exit Interviews, and Senior Lunch | Friday, May 8th

The closing Mass and final school day for seniors is Friday, May 8th. Seniors will arrive by 8:00 am, as on a normal school day, in uniform bottoms and COREX shirts. Students will begin the day by meeting with administration and will then disperse to participate in the tradition of Senior Exit Interviews in their Coram Deo groups. This will be an opportunity for seniors to reflect on their time at Catholic Central and give valuable feedback that will help us to continue to grow as a school and community.

Following exit interviews, underclassmen students will join seniors to have one final Coram Deo together and attend their last all-school Mass. As always, parents are welcome and encouraged to attend this Mass.

Following Mass, we will distribute caps and gowns and 4 tickets to the Baccalaureate Mass, which will be in a brightly colored envelope given to students. Seniors do not require a ticket to Mass. We will provide lunch on the Mall for all seniors with an opportunity to spend some time in the community before they are dismissed for the day. Chargers and iPads should be turned in by this day. If students have exams to take, they may keep their iPad on their exam day.

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Senior Obligations

All detentions, financial obligations, completion of the Senior Exit Survey, and technology requirements must be cleared for students to take exams, receive final grades, and participate in senior activities. If obligations are not fulfilled, diplomas and final transcripts will be held until completed.

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Technology

Important technology considerations:

• The school-issued iPad must be returned in good condition or with payment for repairs by May 18th (end of day).
• Please do not erase or reset the iPad before returning it.
• Any outstanding damage or loss costs must be resolved prior to graduation.

iPad return schedule:

• May 4th–8th: Seniors may turn in iPads, charging cables, and power bricks at the Help Desk (Room 405) during school hours if no longer needed.
• May 8th: iPads may also be turned in before exit interviews or during cap and gown distribution.
• May 11th–12th: iPads may be returned after exams at the Help Desk.
• May 18th (Required deadline): Items must be returned or paid for before the end of the day.

Click here to view iPad and G-Suite instructions from the Technology Department.

Important: If the iPad is not returned and/or payment is not made prior to May 18th, students may be unable to walk at graduation, and diplomas and/or transcripts may be withheld.

Please note: In late June, school Google Workspace accounts (Gmail, Google Docs, etc.) will be deleted. Students will lose access to stored work and Canvas. Instructional Technology Specialist Chad Bice will provide tutorials on how to download and save materials.

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Honors Convocation, Senior Breakfast, and Graduation Practice | Monday, May 18

The day begins at 7:15 AM with Senior Breakfast at the CAT (weather permitting; updates will be shared if needed). Graduation practice will follow and is required for participation in commencement.

Students will then travel to Catholic Central for Baccalaureate Mass practice and Honors Convocation, which begins at 10:35 a.m. Seniors are dismissed around noon. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Dress code (honors convocation & graduation day standard):

• Men: Dress shoes (no sandals or athletic shoes), dress pants, collared shirt and tie, socks, clean-shaven, hair within handbook regulations.
• Women: Dress, skirt, and blouse, or slacks. Dress sandals or open-toed shoes allowed (no flip-flops). Avoid narrow heels on turf/field.
• All: Graduation gowns (not caps) will be worn at Honors Convocation. Caps, gowns, tassels, and Baccalaureate tickets will be distributed on May 8th in a brightly colored envelope. Tuition and obligations must be fulfilled to receive regalia.
• All: Students not appropriately dressed may not participate in Honors Convocation or Commencement.

Final iPad returns may also be completed during Senior Breakfast on May 18th. Students missing required items will not participate in graduation practice until resolved.

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Graduation Day | Wednesday, May 20

Our ceremonies begin with a liturgy at 4:30 PM at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Students should arrive no later than 4:00 PM. All graduates are allowed four tickets for family and guests. Promptness is important for the day’s events to run smoothly.

Due to limited seating, admission to the Cathedral is by ticket only. Each family will be receiving four tickets for the liturgy. Students will pick these up on Friday, May 8th. They will be in a brightly colored envelope. If there are any questions or concerns about this, please call the main office.

Graduation dress code:

• Men: Dress shoes (no sandals or athletic shoes), dress pants, collared shirt and tie, socks, clean-shaven, hair within handbook regulations.
• Women: Dress, skirt, and blouse, or slacks. Dress sandals or open-toed shoes allowed (no flip-flops). Avoid narrow heels on turf/field.
• All: Only Catholic Central-issued graduation regalia may be worn. Caps and gowns must remain as issued with no decorations.
• All: Inappropriate attire may prevent participation in ceremonies.

There is no limit on the number of guests at the commencement ceremonies. The commencement exercises will be held at the CAT following the liturgy at 7:00 PM. The commencement should conclude by 8:30 PM. In the event of inclement weather, we plan to celebrate commencement in the gym at Catholic Central at 6:00 PM. This will be communicated the day before commencement.

A professional photographer will be taking a picture of every graduate receiving his or her diploma. A proof will be sent to your home, and you will have an opportunity to purchase various packages. You are under no obligation; it is a service provided for those who wish to use it.

We ask that you help us celebrate the Class of 2026 in a dignified manner at graduation. Air horns and any other noisemakers detract from the dignity of the ceremony that your sons and daughters deserve. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

All seniors have been invited to submit commencement speeches for consideration by April 27th. An internal committee will review all submissions and determine the two seniors who will speak at graduation ceremonies. More information about the process has been shared with seniors via email.

Finally, please note that diplomas will not be in the jackets that students receive at the ceremony. Diplomas will be mailed out the day after graduation and should arrive before the weekend. If you have moved in the past 4 years, please make sure your correct address is on file to receive your student's diploma.

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Senior All Night Party (SANP) | Wednesday, May 20th–Thursday, May 21

This tradition has celebrated graduates since 1983. Our goal is 100% participation. The event is safe, fun, and inclusive.

For financial assistance, contact Jen Quint at jenquint@grcatholiccentral.org.

Click here to register. Please be sure to complete the venue waiver and email it to Morgan Lamrouex at morganlamrouex@grcatholiccentral.org..

Students will leave for the party immediately after graduation from the CAT. Please watch for updates regarding weather-related changes. Bus transportation will be provided. They should bring a change of clothes, preferably comfortable athletic wear and weather-appropriate outdoor attire, such as a sweatshirt and pants if it's cooler. Graduates will return to the CAT at 4:00 am on Thursday, May 21st. Please make arrangements to pick them up, as they will not be allowed to drive home after a sleepless night.

Parent volunteers are needed! If you can volunteer on the night of the event, even if only for a portion of the time, please sign up for a shift here or contact Maureen Jeakle at mjeakle@gmail.com.

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Closing

We hope this information helps clarify events and expectations for the end of the year. This has been a wonderful year for Catholic Central, and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026.

If you have questions, please contact Morgan Lamrouex at morganlamrouex@grcatholiccentral.org.

We will continue to pray for you and your families as you celebrate this milestone. Thank you for the privilege of partnering with you in your child’s education.

Sincerely,

Abby Kanitz '02

‍Principal

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Morgan Lamrouex

Assistant Principal

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Condensed Event Information

Senior's Last Day

• May 8th, 8:00 AM, Catholic Central
• Seniors should wear uniform bottoms and COREX shirts

Senior's Last Mass

• May 8th, 10:15 AM, Cathedral of St. Andrew
• Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend

Senior Lunch

• May 8th, 11:30 AM, CC Gym
• Seniors pick up graduation caps and gowns, turn in iPads, and receive 4 Baccalaureate Mass tickets in a brightly colored envelope

Senior Exams (Carriers 2, 4, 6, and 8)

• May 11th, time of class, Catholic Central
• Seniors may dress down, following the guidelines
• Students exempt from exams do not need to attend

Senior Exams (Carriers 1, 3, 5, and 7)

• May 12th, time of class, Catholic Central
• Seniors may dress down, following the guidelines
• Students exempt from exams do not need to attend

Senior Breakfast and Graduation Practice

• May 18th, 7:15 AM, beginning at the CAT (weather dependent, alternate plan communicated if needed) and then moving to Catholic Central
• Seniors should arrive dressed for Honors Convocation
• Transportation from the CAT to CC is required

Honors convocation

• May 18th, 10:30 AM, Catholic Central Gym
• Seniors will wear gowns (no caps)
• Parents are invited and encouraged to attend

Baccalaureate Mass

• May 20th, 4:30 PM, Cathedral of St. Andrew
• Seniors must arrive by 4:00 PM at CC and gather in assigned locations in the STEAM building
• Each senior receives 4 tickets; seniors do not require a ticket

Commencement

• May 20th, 7:00 PM, the CAT (weather dependent, alternate plan communicated if needed)
• Seniors must provide their own transportation from downtown to the CAT following Mass
• Seniors should gather by the stadium entrance tunnel upon arrival

Senior All Night Party

• May 20th–21st, following commencement
• Graduates should wear comfortable athletic wear and weather-appropriate clothing
• Students must be picked up at 4:00 AM at the CAT

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