May 6, 2024

2024 Commencement Details

Congratulations to the class of 2024 at Ames High School. Please take note of these important dates and details as we approach commencement.

If your student ordered a Class Photo (the one taken in the gym in April) they haven’t arrived yet. When they arrive, they will be ready for pick up in the Main Office.

Caps and gowns will be distributed to students on May 22, provided they have turned in their laptops and other school equipment, have completed the Senior Survey, and have paid outstanding fines and fees.

May 21: Seniors’ last day of classes and/or testing. Teachers are to have the Senior students’ final grades figured and turned in on this day. No exceptions. The final list of graduates is determined on this date. Seniors can still earn a diploma until June 3, but can’t walk at Commencement.

  • Computer check-in and fees paid.
  • Senior send off will be at 3:25 pm.

May 22: Graduation Rehearsal (8:30 a.m.) at Ames High Gymnasium. We don’t have clearance to practice at Hilton, so send your student to AHS. Rehearsal will take approximately 2 hours. Honor Medals will be given out during commencement practice. Cap and gown can be picked up on this date on the gym floor. (provided the computers are turned in, senior survey is complete, and any remaining fees are paid).

May 22: Baccalaureate 7 pm in the Wayne “Hank” Hansen Performing Arts Center at Ames High School. Orchestra prelude at 6:30 pm.

May 22: Senior Picnic at Inis Grove Shelter from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in Kathi Steenhagen’s office starting May 13.

May 26: Commencement Ceremony at Hilton Coliseum at 1 pm. Students need to arrive at 12:15 and are to enter through the west doors. They should go to the upper-level concourse to get in line alphabetically. When it is time for the processional, students will be led down the stairs and through the tunnel to take their place in the chairs on the floor.

We are not limiting the number of family members you may invite to the ceremony.

We anticipate the graduation ceremony to last approximately 1-1/2 hours. There will not be a recessional at the end of graduation. Following the singing of Ames High Loyalty, relatives and friends are invited down to the main floor to congratulate and mingle with the graduates.

Do not let your student leave Hilton without getting their diploma! There will be a table opposite the stage where the diplomas will be. Your student should find their Homeroom teacher, who will give them their diploma.

Parking for the Ceremony

Hilton doors open at noon. The ceremony begins at 1 pm.