The Class of 2026

• May 21, 2026
• 7 pm
• Nelson University
  • Shaeffer Center
  • 1260 Savell Circle
  • Waxahachie, TX 75165
• Graduate candidates must arrive on the 2nd floor in the holding room (above the auditorium) in cap and gown by 6 pm, sharp.
• Guests may begin arriving at 6 pm.
• Seating is first come, first served.
• Livestream the Ceremony

Photographs by Ivey

• Two pictures will be taken
  1. Receiving your diploma &
  2. Posed: After receiving the diploma cover, look for the photographer on the right.
• Graduates must stay in order.
  • Names will be listed on the Ivey website in order of the graduation line-up.
• Please be patient, this process will be slower but steady.
• Make sure your diploma cover is turned right side up to help keep things moving smoothly.
• Ivey will have a representative there to tell you what to do.
• Ivey Photography will email details to purchase pictures.
• Remember to smile.

Mandatory Rehearsal

• May 21, 2026
• 1 pm
• Nelson University
  • Sheaffer Center
  • Meet in the holding room above the auditorium.
• Seniors and faculty only
• Dress comfortably but within the dress code.
• Wear shoes that will be worn for graduation
• No cap and gown are required for practice.
• Remember to represent the best of WGH while on the SAGU campus.

Entry

• Graduate candidates will be prompted during "Pomp and Circumstance" to enter the main auditorium on the left from the balcony stairs.
• Please walk slowly and stay in a straight line.
• Maintain 2 feet between you and the person in front of you.
• When you come to your row, filter in and remain standing.
• All graduate candidates will be instructed to be seated at the same time.

Lining Up for Diploma Walk

• Rows of graduate candidates will stand in unison when it is time to begin approaching the stage.
• Watch the teacher at the right end of the row for the signal, when there are only 7 people in line ahead of the row.
• Line up on the right side of the stage, along the wall.
• Please stand quietly and face forward until your turn.
• When you get on the stage, hand your card to Mr. Auvenshine or Ms. Noonkester.
• When receiving your diploma, reach for it with your left hand while giving a firm (but not too firm) handshake with your right hand.  Right hand under the left hand.
• Finally, return to your seat and be seated.

Exit

• If you want to gently toss your hat in the air, wait until Mr. Zandt completes his closing remarks.
• Remember you have to stay for the recessional, so you cannot be all over the place retrieving hats and tassels.
• New graduates will stand in unison at the end of the ceremony when directed.
• Exit as practiced.

Project Graduation

• May 21, 2026
• 10:30 pm - 6 am
• Arrive by midnight
• WGH gym

Dress Code for Ladies

• Wear a dress, a nice skirt, or slacks with a blouse that is within the dress code.
  • Exceptions are to be approved by Mr. Cavazos or Ms. Noonkester.
• No dresses or skirts longer than the gown.
• Professional or dress shoes
  • Shoes need to be easy to wear while navigating the stairs.
  • If unsure whether the shoes are formal enough, please consult with Mr. Cavazos or Ms. Noonkester.

Dress Code for Gentlemen

• Dress pants
  • No shorts or jeans
• White button-up collared shirt
• Dark shoes with dark socks
  • No tennis shoes, sandals, Toms, or flip-flops
• Neckties are recommended.

Caps & Tassels

• The graduation cap is worn flat on the head, parallel to the floor.
• The front of the cap should be centered on the forehead.
• If you have thick hair, you may want to bring hair pins to help hold the cap in place.
• Men should remove graduation caps during the prayers, pledges, and the National Anthem.
• No flowers or additional cap decorations are permitted.
• Tassels are worn on the right and shifted to the left when directed to do so at the end of the ceremony.

Cords & Collars

• WGH-issued cords, collars, and medals are the only allowed additions to the gowns.