Southern Arizona high school graduations: When, where, why and what to give
- Updated
It's that time. Here are things you need to know about local high school graduations.
Tucson high school graduation gifts and traditions
UpdatedThe 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.
A history lesson on traditions
UpdatedWhat'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 ideas for graduates
UpdatedGift 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
Graduation at Amphitheater Public Schools
UpdatedAmphitheater High School - 7 p.m. May 24.
Canyon Del Oro - 7 p.m. May 23.
Ironwood Ridge - 7 p.m. May 22.
Graduations in Benson Unified School District
UpdatedBenson High School - 7:30 p.m. May 25.
San Pedro Valley High School & San Pedro Valley Online Academy - 6 p.m. May 23.
Graduation in Catalina Foothills Unified School District
UpdatedCatalina Foothills High School - 7:30 p.m May 23.
Graduation in Douglas Unified School District
UpdatedDouglas High School - 7:30 p.m. May 25
Graduations in Flowing Wells Unified School District
UpdatedFlowing Wells High School - 7 p.m. May 23.
Sentinel Peak High School - May 21.
Graduations in Marana Unified School District
UpdatedMountain View High School – 8 p.m. May 23.
Marana High School – 8 p.m. May 24.
MCAT High School – 7 p.m. May 22.
Graduations in Nogales Unified School District
UpdatedNogales High School - 6 p.m. May 25.
Pierson Vocation High School - 6 p.m. May 22.
Graduations in Sahuarita Unified School District
UpdatedSahuarita High School - 7 p.m. May 23.
Walden Grove High School - 7 p.m. May 24.
Graduation in Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District
UpdatedRio Rico High School - 7 p.m. May 24.
Graduation in Sierra Vista Unifies School District
UpdatedBuena High School - 7 p.m. May 24.
Graduations in Sunnyside Unified School District
UpdatedDesert 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.
Graduation in Tanque Verde Unified School District
UpdatedTanque Verde High School - 7 p.m. May 22.
Graduation in Tombstone Unified School District
UpdatedTombstone High School- 7 p.m. May 24.
Graduations in Tucson Unified School District
UpdatedMost high schools at 7 p.m. May 24. Call the school if you are unsure.
Graduations in Vail School District
UpdatedAndrada 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.
Graduation in Willcox Unified School District
UpdatedWillcox High School - 7 p.m. May 25.
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