Findlay High School Senior Class

3 April 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians and Seniors:

We are excited that it is the fourth quarter and graduation season is upon us!  We have enjoyed working with the Class of 2023.  This is a special class that has worked very hard academically, athletically, and musically throughout their high school career!  This class has many talented students and we will miss their contributions, energy and enthusiasm.  We wish each and every senior a successful future and look forward to sending them off to new adventures awaiting them!  Our send off, graduation, will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023.  

This is the final letter we will be sending to students and their families regarding graduation and end of the year events.  Please be sure to check the website www.fcs.org/seniors for updates.  Reminders will be shared via email and through Final Forms.  

To make certain graduation is successful and a memorable event for everyone attending, it is important that you review the enclosed information.  The information contained in these pages covers all phases of Commencement and related activities.  We will discuss the information with the students, and we hope that you will also review it with your graduating senior.

Please remember that graduation needs to be a dignified celebration in order to allow everyone to hear and see the graduate they came to support.  By remaining quiet during the reading of the graduates’ names, you will help ensure that no one misses the opportunity they have waited so many years to witness.  The loved ones of the graduate who immediately follows your graduate will appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and silence during this important event.  

Please be aware that in order to maintain safety and security for everyone, security may check all bags as the guests enter for the ceremony.  We thank you for your cooperation in these matters.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or your graduate’s assistant principal.  

Best wishes to you and your 2023 graduate! 

Graduation Information-  Class of 2023:

Commencement:

The Class of 2023 will hold their graduation ceremony at the Koehler Center, on the University of Findlay’s campus, on May 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Students will receive eight (8) tickets for the event.  If needed, students may receive more. If you have a family member that is in need of special/handicap seating, please contact Lynn Parsell at 419-425-8260.  

Graduation Speaker Try-Outs:

Students will have the opportunity to try out for Graduation Speaker.  Information detailing the speaker process will be available with Mrs. Wannemacher in room 211, starting April 20, 2023.  Graduation speaker tryouts will be held after school on May 2, 2023.  

Post-Graduation Information/Senior Awards Ceremony:

Students will be asked to complete an informal survey during the Senior Talk Day, held Friday, April 28, 2023.  The required survey asks students to indicate their post-secondary plans (4 year college, 2 year college, vocational/technical school, military or work force).  The survey also asks students to submit any scholarship/award information for the Senior Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 18, 2023.  This information is necessary so your graduate’s information can be included in the printed Senior Awards Ceremony program.  Recognized students will receive an invitation to this event.  

Fees, Fines and School Materials:

All course fees, book fines (textbooks, library, etc), parking tickets, fundraiser money, and athletic equipment MUST be returned or paid on/before 3:30 on Monday, May 22, 2023.  Your diploma will not be available to you should these not be paid or returned.  No money will be accepted on graduation day.

Chromebook Turn In:

Seniors will need to turn in their Chromebooks and charging cords.  The Chromebook collection process will be on May 19 and May 22 in the Library Makerspace.  Off-campus students should make arrangements to turn in their Chromebooks either date.  Students who fail to turn in their Chromebook or the charging cord will be fined the cost of the device/item.

Incomplete Course Work:

Students must complete course requirements (projects, papers, tests, etc.) by 2:30 on Friday May 19, 2023.  Students who are enrolled in credit recovery classes must have coursework completed by 3:00 pm Thursday, May 25, 2023.  Failure to meet these deadlines may jeopardize the ability to participate in the graduation ceremony.  

Final Exams:

Students must have two passing grades each semester in order to earn credit for a class.  Seniors who have not accomplished this by the end of the fourth grading period are required to take the exam to pass the course.  All exams for seniors will be taken at 7:25 am on Monday, May 22, 2023, in room 273.  All course work must also be completed by 2:30 pm on Friday, May 19, 2023.  If you have questions regarding exams, please contact the teacher or your student’s assistant principal.  

Caps and Gowns:

All graduating seniors participating in the graduation ceremony will need a cap, gown, tassel, and medallion.  Caps and gowns from 2017 graduation and forward are acceptable.  Graduation products were distributed on March 8, 2023.  Any remaining products will continue to be distributed in the office through Mrs. Parsell.  If you still need to purchase a cap and gown unit (including a tassel and medallion), the cost is $55 plus tax.  Graduation announcements are available through Jostens.  Call Mrs. Parsell at 419-425-8260 with any questions.  

Costs:

Even though the necessary expenses of graduation (announcements, cap and gown, and other clothing) are kept to a minimum, they may present serious problems for some members of the graduating class.  Should any member of the class have a problem of this nature, consult your counselor and/or assistant principal at once so arrangements can be made for assistance with a cap and gown.  

Dress:

Graduation is a formal occasion.  Dress and behavior should reflect the occasion and your pride in this accomplishment.  Students may wear formal clothing such as slacks, a dress shirt, and dress shoes.  Please do NOT decorate any part of your graduation attire.  Any student not properly dressed will not be permitted to go through the graduation ceremony (ie; flip flops, tennis shoes, casual sandals, jeans, shorts, or pajama pants).  Be sure to wear Cap, Gown, Tassel, and Medallion:  all are required on graduation day.  If a student finds that he/she is unable to locate appropriate attire, please let a counselor or assistant principal know so that we may help you!

Rehearsals:

1.  Attendance at rehearsal is REQUIRED of all who expect to take part in the graduation ceremony.  Please notify your assistant principal as soon as possible if you do not plan to participate in the graduation ceremony.
2. Rehearsal for Commencement will take place at the Koehler Center at the University of Findlay on Thursday, May 25, 2023.  Students must be ready to begin at 9:00 am.  Students are strongly encouraged to wear the same shoes they will be wearing on graduation day so that you can practice walking on stage accordingly.   Seating arrangements will be posted on the Findlay High School website at https://www.fcs.org/seniors one week prior to the event.  
3. Immediately following graduation rehearsal at the University of Findlay, students will be expected to return to FHS for a senior lunch sponsored by FHS Student Leadership, Graduation tickets will be handed out at this time.
4. Students are responsible for their own transportation on Rehearsal Day.  

Graduation Day:

On Saturday, May 27, 2023 students will arrive at the Koehler Center by 9:00 am.  Students will use the exterior entrance for the Activities Room.  Upon arriving, students will check-in and be given their medallions and any honor cords that they may have received.  Please note:  parents/families will NOT be permitted in this area on the day of the event.  

Tickets for Commencement:

Your graduate will receive eight (8) tickets during Commencement rehearsal day activities.  If you do not need all the tickets, please return them at that time.  If you need more tickets, please make sure your student knows the number needed.  Extra tickets will be available for 30 minutes after rehearsal activities end or Thursday afternoon 2:30-4:00 pm, or Friday May 26, 2023 in the office from Mrs. Parsell 7:30 am – 3:00 pm.  

• Admission to the Commencement Ceremony will be by ticket only
• Doors will open at 8:15 am.  Families will use the Main Entrance for the Koehler Center
• In order to maintain safety and security for everyone, all bags are subject to search as guests enter for the ceremony
• The processional will start promptly at 10:00 am and the doors will be closed at that time until the processional is complete.

Conduct:

Participation in ANY type of senior prank may result in denial of the privilege to participate in Commencement exercises.  In order to make graduation a safe and enjoyable experience, students will be expected to display proper behavior at all times.  The Findlay High School Code of Conduct applies to all students or guests who behave inappropriately.  Any major misbehavior prior to the ceremony could result in the student not being allowed to participate in the ceremony.  If a student disrupts the dignity of Commencement, the student may be assigned consequences prior to receiving their diploma.  Based on our knowledge of this class, we do not think we will need to utilize this intervention.  It is outlined here in case something unforeseen happens.  

Photographs:

In order to have an orderly and dignified service, we ask that no person come to the podium to take pictures.  There will be a professional photographer at graduation.  Each graduate will have their picture taken and a proof will be sent to you.  You are not obligated to buy these pictures.  We also request that all persons remain in their seats until the entire Commencement is completed and that the audience refrains from applause until after all graduates have received their diplomas.  

Miscellaneous Information:

*You will be responsible for knowing a great deal of information in the upcoming weeks.  Please check the Findlay High School Senior Page @  https://www.fcs.org/seniors for updated information.  

*3.75 Recognition Night will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm in the FHS Auditorium.  This event is by invitation only. Invitations for students in grades 9-12 who qualify for this award have been given invitations to the event. Seniors who are receiving the 3.75 Award will have the opportunity to go to the microphone and tell those in attendance about your future plans.

*Senior Awards Night will be held on May 18. If you are receiving a scholarship, please inform your counselor and/or Julie Merrin, so that we can put this award on our agenda for the evening. Invitations for the event will go out when we are closer to that date. Recognized students will receive an invitation for this event. This event attire is business casual.

*Senior Talk Day is planned for Friday, April 28, 2023 in the FHS Library.  This is scheduled during English classes.  If your student is not scheduled for an English class this semester, they may attend any of the available sessions. 

*The last full day for seniors at FHS is Friday, May 19, 2023.  However, students are expected to participate in the graduation activities rehearsal day, May 25, 2023, as their official last day.  

*Graduating seniors may pick up their diploma as a Drive-Thru pick-up at Findlay High School beginning Wednesday, May 31, 2023-Friday, June 2, 2023.  Drive-Thru pick-up times are 9:00 am-11:00 am and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm.  

*Any parent/student interested in donating their cap and gown back to FHS after graduation can bring them to the FHS office to Mrs. Parsell.

Upcoming Dates of Importance:

Graduation Seals – Presentation

Findlay High School Yearbook

IMPORTANT SENIOR PORTRAIT, SENIOR SALUTATION, SIBLING, AND YEARBOOK INFORMATION

SENIOR PORTRAITS:

All seniors will have their senior portrait taken by Prestige Portraits at Findlay High School on Wednesday or Thursday, October 19-20, 2022, at no cost to the student to be used in the yearbook. The portraits taken at FHS will consist of several poses and backgrounds. If desired, seniors/parents can arrange and pay for their own personal senior portraits from their favorite photographer to share with family and friends, but only the portraits taken by Prestige Portraits will be used in the yearbook. If you have any questions, please contact FHS Trojan Yearbook advisor Mrs. Jessica Loomis at jloomis@fcs.org. 

SENIOR YEARBOOK RECOGNITION ADS

The deadline to order a Senior Yearbook Recognition Ad is March 24, 2023. You can express friendship, love, or congratulations to that special senior student in your life with a colored personal ad in the yearbook. You may pay for your congratulations message by logging on to: Jostensadservice.com. You can then select the desired size and pay for the ad. Ad information prices and sizes include: 1 full page for $200, ½ page for $150, ¼ page for $90, 1/8 page for $55. Questions? E-mail Mrs. Loomis, Yearbook Advisor, at jloomis@fcs.org.

SIBLINGS

There will also be a Siblings section in the yearbook. The Sibling photo must include a current senior plus sibling(s) that is/are currently enrolled at Findlay High School and Trojan Academy. Please e-mail the photo to Mrs. Loomis no later than April 1, 2023. Photos can be scanned if needed. This Siblings section is provided free to seniors.

HOW TO ORDER A YEARBOOK

Students can order a 2022-2023 Trojan Yearbook by logging on to jostensyearbooks.com to order the Findlay Trojan Yearbook for only $65 through October 7, 2022. After October 7, 2022, the price will increase to $70 through December 30, 2022. The final price will be $75 from December 31, 2022, through June 9, 2023. The last day to order the 256 page, full-color 2022-2023 Trojan Yearbook is June 9, 2023.

NOTE: The Findlay Trojan Yearbook is a Fall delivery yearbook and should arrive in August or September of 2023.

Anyone interested in buying a yearbook can contact the yearbook staff via email.

Mrs. Jessica Loomis
Trojan Yearbook Advisor
Findlay High School, Room 104
1200 Broad Avenue
Findlay, Ohio 45840
Phone:  419-425-8289