Southern Arizona high school graduations: When, where, why and what to give

The year was 2000 when most of these children were born. Starting in late May these young adults will be graduating from high school.

Balloons, flowers, fat heads and banners will be carried into stadiums and arenas by proud family members to honor them.

You may see them out proudly displaying their school in caps and gowns, see or hear fireworks going off in their honor or pass by a school with the stadium lights on, indicating the commencement.

Keep in mind they are our future and this will be their day to reflect and celebrate. 

Information researched by Sara Brown and Barbara Poole, Arizona Daily Star.

What's that song played at every graduation?

Pomp and Circumstance is played as the graduate students walk in. The title comes from a line in Shakespeare’s Othello, “Pride, pomp and circumstance of glorious war!” In 1902, the lyrics were written by poet and essayist Arthur Christopher Benson. It’s official when you hear this song played.

Why the tossing of the caps?

Before you toss the cap remember that it should be parallel to the floor and the front point of the cap should be centered on the forehead.

The tradition of tossing the cap was started by the Naval Academy in 1912. It soon caught on and now is the final token done to end the festivities.

Why move the tassel?

The moving of the tassel from one side to the other is considered the individual’s movement from candidate to graduate. Prior and during the ceremony the tassel is worn on the right. After the receiving the diploma the tassel is moved to the left.

Gift cards, cash: Sephora, restaurant, grocery store, gas, iTunes...

Portable chargers

Voice controlled digital assistant

Metro, Uber or gas card

Music or TV streaming service

Laptop

Noise cancelling headphones

Luggage

Board games

Concert tickets

Personal safety device

Fitness tracker

College logo: clothing, bags, water bottles, car stickers...

Of the month club: Shave club, tea club, makeup...

Gift basket: tiny tool set, first aid kit, college logo mug, gift card...

Polaroid camera and film

Instant photo printer

Bluetooth speaker

Amphitheater High School - 7 p.m. May 24.

Canyon Del Oro - 7 p.m. May 23. 

Ironwood Ridge - 7 p.m. May 22.

Benson High School - 7:30 p.m. May 25.

San Pedro Valley High School & San Pedro Valley Online Academy - 6 p.m. May 23.

Catalina Foothills High School - 7:30 p.m May 23.

Douglas High School - 7:30 p.m. May 25

Flowing Wells High School - 7 p.m. May 23.

Sentinel Peak High School - May 21.

Mountain View High School – 8 p.m. May 23.

Marana High School – 8 p.m. May 24.

MCAT High School – 7 p.m. May 22.

Nogales High School - 6 p.m. May 25.

Pierson Vocation High School - 6 p.m. May 22.

Sahuarita High School - 7 p.m. May 23.

Walden Grove High School - 7 p.m. May 24.

Rio Rico High School - 7 p.m. May 24.

Buena High School - 7 p.m. May 24.

Desert View High School - 7 p.m. May 24.

Star Academic High School - 6 p.m. May 22. 

Sunnyside High School 7 p.m. May 23.

Tanque Verde High School - 7 p.m. May 22.

Tombstone High School- 7 p.m. May 24.

Most high schools at 7 p.m. May 24. Call the school if you are unsure.

Andrada Polytechnic High School - 7 p.m. May 19.

Cienega High School - May 19.

Empire High School - 7 p.m. May 24.

Vail Academy and High School -  6:30 p.m. May 22.

Willcox High School - 7 p.m. May 25.