Immediate Release
June 3, 2019
Contact:  Todd Hagans
    Chief Communications Officer
    Office:  (704) 866-6118
    Cell:     (704) 718-0279
    E-mail:  tthagans@gaston.k12.nc.us

High schools to conduct graduation ceremonies for Class of 2019
More than 2,200 seniors to receive their diploma from Gaston County Schools

Gastonia, N.C. – Graduation for Gaston County Schools is Saturday, June 8, and ten public high schools will conduct ceremonies that day to present diplomas to the Class of 2019.  This year, 2,245 seniors will graduate from Gaston County Schools.  

Ashbrook, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Stuart W. Cramer, East Gaston, Forestview, Hunter Huss, North Gaston, and South Point will hold high school graduation on June 8 at 9:00 a.m.  The ceremony for the Highland School of Technology is at 11:00 a.m. on June 8.

Graduation exercises for Webb Street School and Warlick Academy take place on Wednesday, June 5.  The Webb Street ceremony is at 12:00 p.m. and Warlick’s ceremony is at 2:00 p.m.

The Gaston Early College High School held its graduation on May 16.  Forty-one students received diplomas. Click here for pictures of the Gaston Early College graduation ceremony.

Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker stated: “Graduation is a milestone for our seniors, and we are very proud of all students in the Class of 2019 – they are an impressive group of graduates.  This is the time for our seniors to reflect on their many achievements in academics, athletics, the fine arts, extracurricular activities, and other areas and look forward to the bright future that is ahead of them.”

Dr. Booker added, “The Board of Education joins me in congratulating our graduates in the Class of 2019 and wishing them much success as they begin a new and exciting phase in life.”

Each high school graduation is a well-planned, formal ceremony intended to highlight each senior.  To ensure that each graduate’s name is heard by everyone, attendees should refrain from boisterous applause and celebration until all graduates have received their diploma.  

Tickets for Graduation

Admission tickets are required for ceremonies that are held indoors (East Gaston, Highland, North Gaston, and Warlick).  If outdoor ceremonies are moved indoors because of inclement weather, a ticket is required.  Because of space constraints, most schools require tickets for ceremonies that are held in the football stadium.  Anyone with questions about admission tickets for graduation should contact the school for specific information. 

Safety at Graduation    

All high schools have a comprehensive safety plan for graduation, and school officials have spent time working with local law enforcement to ensure that graduation is an enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.  To ensure safety, the following procedures will be in place:

▪ Each school will have additional security personnel – a police presence will be noticeable on campus.

▪ Attendees should arrive early and be prepared to stand in line to enter the ceremony.

▪ Metal detectors (walk-through units and hand-held wands) will be used.  Everyone at graduation, including students, parents, relatives, school personnel, and guests, will be subject to metal detection screening.

▪ Attendees are discouraged from bringing purses and handbags to graduation.  Purses/handbags must be screened, a process that slows down the entrance line.

▪ Traffic congestion is likely near the high schools beginning one hour before the start of graduation.  Attendees should plan accordingly to allow enough time for parking and entering the ceremony.

▪ Being vigilant is important.  Anyone who sees or is aware of suspicious activity at graduation should contact a school official or law enforcement immediately.

High School Graduation Day - Saturday, June 8
 

 Webb Street School Graduation – Wednesday, June 5 – 12:00 p.m.

 Warlick Academy Graduation – Wednesday, June 5 – 2:00 p.m. 

Click here for a .pdf of the graduation schedule.

Click here for more graduation information.