Ceremony Details

Oak Prairie Junior High

8th Grade Graduation Ceremony

Oak Prairie Junior High Gymnasium

15161 Gougar Road, Homer Glen, IL

Wednesday, May 27th 6:00 pm

Students should arrive 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.

Graduate Arrival Information

All graduates attending the ceremony need to arrive at Oak Prairie at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. You will enter the cafeteria door, where graduates will stay to line up in preparation for the procession. Guests will proceed down the stairs to the gymnasium and find their seats behind the chair labeled with each graduate's name. The procession to the gymnasium will begin at 6:00pm and the ceremony will begin promptly following the procession.

Each 8th Grade student will be allowed 4 guests that will have a seat directly behind the student. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this, so please do not call and request more seats for family. The events will be live streamed for family and friends to view. There will be seating available in designated areas for anyone in a wheelchair or walker.

Pictures

Each student will have 2 pictures taken professionally by LifeTouch: one when their diploma is handed to them, and another as they come down the stage. You are welcome to take pictures at Oak Prairie before and after the ceremony on school grounds. Inside the gown package there will be information about how to order graduation pictures.

Parking

The Will County Sheriff Office will be on hand to help with traffic and parking is available at Oak Prairie in several locations: The main parking lot, the baseball field lot, and the exit lane toward 151st (you can park along the sides in both directions). Please try to limit your family to one vehicle to help with parking.

Crowd Behavior

Loud noises (yelling, cheering, whistling, noise makers) made for students as their name is called detracts from the dignity of the ceremony. Please be considerate and hold your applause until the last name is read so that all families will have a chance to hear every graduate's name being read. The Class of 2026 will be presented en masse for a well-deserved round of applause.

Recession

After the ceremony concludes, you may exit the gym out of the rear doors, or head back out through the cafeteria, with your graduate, and proceed to the parking area.

Diplomas

Students will receive their diploma as they cross the stage. It already has their name and certificate inside. Please double check the name is correct before you leave the school.

Gowns and Medallions

Gowns and medallions will come home on May 22nd when students return their devices and chargers. Students should wear both their gown and medallion to the ceremony.

Yard Signs

Each student will receive a Class of 2026 yard sign. Signs will be handed out to students the night they return from their Great America trip. They will also be available for pickup in the office.

Graduation Reflection Speech

Graduation Speakers - We are inviting any student who would like to speak at graduation to try out for a speaking opportunity. Please see the details about how to apply to give an 8th Grade Reflection Address.

8th Grade Dance

8th Grade Dance

The 8th Grade Dance will be hosted at Oak Prairie in the Gymnasium on Tuesday, May 26th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. We are looking for some parent volunteers to help with putting together the snack and treat table for the 8th Grade Dance - please reach out to Mrs. Forcash if you are interested in helping.

Let's Celebrate!

This is such a wonderful and rewarding time for all of you and our graduates. We are so proud of what they have done during their time at D92 and we are looking forward to celebrating with you!

Other Information

Positive Lunch Balances

Some 8th Grade students have positive lunch balances at the end of the year. If you are one of those families, please fill out this form to let the district office know how you would like your balance managed. If you have questions, please reach out to Michelle McGuire at mmcguire@d92.org.

8th Grade Lunch Balance Response

Gowns, Medallions, and Awards

Each 8th grade student who ordered a gown will receive it on the 22nd when they turn in their Chromebook. They will also receive their medallion at this time. Each graduate should wear their gown and medallion during the ceremony. There will be no caps ordered or worn.

During the Awards Assembly on May 20th during the school day, 8th grade students will receive pins for each activity they were involved in and we encourage them to wear their pins on their medallions for the graduation ceremony. They can wear any pins they have earned throughout their time at Oak Prairie.

End of Year Requirements