Graduation

Ceremony Procedures

Preparation
There will not be a graduation rehearsal for students; however, there will be a senior meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 after the Senior Walk to go over the procedures for the ceremony.

Check-In
Students must check in at the Sherman High School competition gym at 4 p.m. on the day of graduation to take pictures. Staff will be on site, as well as Jostens representatives to help with any cap and gown issues.

Arrival
At 5:40 p.m., students will be transported via shuttle bus to Bearcat Stadium where they will line up prior to the beginning of the ceremony at 7 p.m.

Ceremony
Students will enter the stadium from the visitor’s side corner. Each student will be assigned a ceremony line leader whose name will be provided prior to the ceremony.

Exit
Graduates will receive their diplomas from their designated line leader before exiting the stadium. Once graduates have exited the field, we ask that students and their families not congregate, and exit the stadium as quickly as possible.

Dress Code

General Guidelines

• Bearcat Stadium is an outdoor stadium with a grass field. The field could possibly be wet or muddy in certain places. For safety, we recommend that all students wear comfortable shoes with traction.
• Sunglasses are allowed.
• Cell phones will be allowed but need to be put away during the ceremony.
• Please do not bring personal items to the stadium, there will be nowhere to safely store them.
• Decorated caps are not permitted. If a graduate arrives with a decorated cap, they will be asked to purchase a new one before the ceremony.

Ladies

• Skirt or dress shorter than the gown (sundress is ok, but cannot be strapless) or khaki slacks (dark is better; no blue jeans)
• We caution against wearing heels that are too high; you will be descending the steps on the stage, and we don’t want any injuries.

Men

• Dress or khaki slacks (dark is better; no blue jeans)
• Dress shoes or dress boots (no sandals)
• Collared dress shirt and tie (white shirt looks best)

Cords & Stoles

Only the following approved cords and stoles may be worn at graduation:

Cords

Navy Blue/Silver - Student Council Leadership
Maroon/Gold - AP Scholars
Dark Blue/Gold - National FFA Organization
Red/White - Family, Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Purple - Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA)
Navy Blue/Silver - Industry Based Certification (IBC)
Blue/Yellow - Key Club
Gold/Red/Black - Leo Club
Red/Blue - Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE)
Gray - Peer Assistant Leadership and Skills (PALS)
Red - Red Cord Community Service Program
White - First in Family Graduate
Multicolor - National Art Honor Society (NAEA)
Purple/Gold - National Latin Honor Society (NLHS)
Blue/White - International Thespian Society (ITS)
Gold/Blue - Interact Club
Red/White/Blue - Eagle Scout
Red/White/Blue - Young Men's Service League
Red/White - Skills USA

Stoles

Maroon - Valedictorian / Salutatorian
Silver - Student Council Officer
White with Blue - National Honor Society 
White with Purple - National Technical Honor Society 
White - FCCLA President
Blue - HOSA Officer
Navy Blue/Silver - Grayson College Level 1 or 2 Certification
Navy Blue and Gold - U.S. Navy
Blue/White - U.S. Air Force

Attendees at graduation may also notice graduates wearing different color gowns and/or caps. Graduates in the top 10 percent of the class wear white gowns and are introduced at graduation according to their class rank, while all other graduates wear maroon gowns. In addition, graduates who have completed their associate degree from Grayson College through the Bearcat Collegiate Program are permitted to wear blue caps to signify this accomplishment as they will have already graduated from Grayson College prior to the SHS graduation ceremony.

Graduation Orders

Seniors and their families can purchase announcements, caps, gowns and tassels online through the Jostens website. Pickup is available for the Class of 2025 on the following dates:

Announcement Pickup	Cap and Gown Pickup*
April 4, 2025	May 5, 2025
11:20 - 1:25 p.m.	11:20 - 1:25 p.m.
SHS cafeteria	SHS cafeteria

 

*Caps and gowns will also be available for purchase on pickup day with cash, card or Apple Pay only. 

Please note: Decorated caps are not permitted at graduation. If a student arrives with a decorated cap, they will be asked to purchase a new one before the ceremony. Graduates in the top 10 percent of the class wear white gowns and are introduced at graduation according to their class rank, while all other graduates wear maroon gowns.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding orders, sizing, payments or other inquiries, please contact Jostens directly:

Phone: 940-382-8948 (Call or Text)
Email: Ray.Office@Jostens.com
Online: www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1080647/Sherman-High-School

Jostens Website

Senior Photos

CADY Photography provides photography services for senior yearbook photos and at graduation. Visit the CADY website to schedule a session, order cap and gown portraits or view and purchase images from graduation.

CADY Website