Get Your Batteries Charged for Graduation 2009

This year's graduation ceremony will be held on the lawn by Apthorp Chapel on Friday, June 5, at 10 a.m. Prior to the ceremony, Milton begins the festivities with an informal procession in which the seniors, starting at Hallowell House, walk to all the houses to say goodbye to underclassmen. The formal graduation procession begins at Straus Library, where each student receives a flower. A bagpiper then leads the faculty and seniors in a march to their seats. Tradition also dictates that Milton seniors vote for one boy and one girl to speak on behalf of the class at graduation. Diplomas at Milton are given in random order, and the last student to graduate is given a sock of quarters—one from each classmate. After the ceremony, students say farewell to faculty, who have formed a receiving line.

In the event of heavy rain, the ceremony will move into the Fitzgibbons Convocation Center.

The Academy is also hosting a reception for the graduating students and their parents from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, June 4. A variety of performances will accompany this reception, so that parents may have one last chance to witness some of the many talents in this class.

The logistics are important:

Dress Code
The traditional dress code will be in effect: white dresses (or blouse and skirt) for the girls, and blue blazers, light trousers, shirts and ties for the boys.

Sun Plan
Graduation seating extends into the quad in front of Robert Saltonstall Gymnasium, with the stage or dais located on the grass closest to the chapel steps. Seniors sit up front facing the
crowd. Trustees and faculty form the first section of audience seats, and underclass students sit in sections on the sides – facing the main seating area. Graduates’ families and friends use the seats immediately behind faculty. 

Rain Plan
Graduation seating that replicates the outdoor format fills the Fitzgibbons Convocation Center (FCC), meaning that, in the event of rain, we can still accommodate however many family members and guests wish to attend. 

Luncheon
A light buffet lunch will be served after the ceremony.

Photographs
Milton’s tradition of awarding diplomas in random order makes it challenging for many parents to take their own pictures.  Because of this, we arrange for a professional photographer to take pictures of each graduating senior.  Proofs will be sent to you over the summer, at which time you can decide whether or not to order copies.  There is no obligation to purchase.

Parking and Traffic Flow
We will make special arrangements for parking and traffic flow for graduation. Our staff, with assistance from the Milton police, will be there to direct you.  The plan is for all parking to be on the Upton Field and the Junior Building parking lot.  Access to those sites will be from the west end of Centre Street.  Please do not park on Voses Lane, Randolph Avenue or on Centre Street.

Because of the number of people who will be on campus beginning on Thursday afternoon, Academy Road, which runs in front of the Saltonstall Gym and main campus dormitories, will be closed from 3:30 p.m. on Thursday until about 1 p.m. on Friday.  Parents who wish to load belongings from dorm rooms on the west campus during these times should use the access road behind the dormitories.

Handicapped or Elderly Access
If a member of your party needs to be dropped off close to the ceremony site or requires handicapped access, please communicate with campus safety the morning of graduation and they will facilitate arrangements.  

Graduation Parties
Please make sure your child is clear about your expectations concerning graduation parties. While we know that this is the season for celebrations, we want to ensure that these celebrations do not risk the safety and well-being of our students or of our newest graduates.  Underage drinking is both ill-advised and illegal. Alcohol and drugs may seem to graduating seniors an appropriate way to mark the transition to the next stage in their lives, and the pressure on parents to accept this thinking may be very strong.  We hope you will resist this pressure. Please act responsibly if you host a gathering, and help your sons and daughters make good and healthy choices at this time of year. 

 

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