Bloomington High School North

BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL NORTH CLASS OF 2026

It is with great pleasure that we announce the events and expectations for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony. The senior class has worked hard to reach this milestone, putting countless hours into academics and activities, and we are excited to celebrate their accomplishments over the next several months. We hope the information that follows will help you plan your schedule as we move towards graduation on May 30th, 2026. Commencement will take place at the Bloomington High School North Main Gymnasium at 2:00 p.m. Details on all commencement related events are provided below.

STAY INFORMED

All information related to the Class of 2026 will be posted and shared on the BHSN Website under the “Counseling Center” tab. Visit the “Senior Information – Class of 2026”

IMPORTANT DATES

LATE CAP & GOWN ORDERING

Any student that has not yet purchased a cap and gown should visit the following link at Herff Jones. If you are only wanting to order a Cap & Gown, select the Grad Gear & Apparel tab and scroll to the bottom until you see Cap, Gown & Tassel Unit. The cost for late ordering is $59.95. If any student needs financial assistance, please reach out to Mr. Gooding in the counseling office.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH – ALL DAY – Distribution of Caps & Gowns & Graduation Tickets

Herff Jones will be at BHSN all day to distribute caps and gowns. Cap & Gown distribution will be in the LGI. Seniors with Government/Economics on Gold days will pick up their cap and gown during class. All other seniors will pick up during lunches or at any other time in their schedule that is convenient. Any student needing financial assistance to cover the cost of the cap and gown should see their counselor immediately.

Tickets will be distributed with caps and gowns on Thursday, April 30th. Each senior will be issued (6) tickets. Unused tickets should be returned to the main office at BHSN. Families may request up to 4 additional tickets by completing the “Additional Commencement Tickets” form. You will be placed on a waiting list and additional tickets, if available will be distributed on April 30^th or during graduation rehearsal on Friday, May 29th. Remember: All guests must have a ticket in order to enter the gymnasium. Those without a ticket can view the commencement livestream from home or from the auditorium.

MONDAY, MAY 18 – Bloomington High School North Honors Night - Auditorium

Departmental awards begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a reception and refreshments from 6:30-7:00.
Senior award recognition will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the BHSN Auditorium. Seniors will receive invitations to one or both ceremonies if they are a recipient of awards during either program.

Any senior who wishes to be recognized in the ceremony booklet as a recipient of scholarships and/or financial awards from the college/university they plan to attend must complete the linked “Scholarship and Awards” form. This form may also be found under the Counseling Center tab on the BHS North Homepage. Scholarship information must be submitted by the end of the day on Friday, May 2nd to be printed in the program.  Self-reported scholarships and awards will be recognized in the printed program only. Students receiving additional awards, will receive an invitation to and will be presented with their award during the Senior Honors Night Ceremony. Deadline for submitting this information is Monday, May 11^th.

MONDAY, MAY 18 – THURSDAY, MAY 21– Final Exams & Device Collection

Though final exams may be mandatory for some courses (i.e. AP, dual credit, certification programs, etc.), not all courses will offer exams. Device collection will be during the last block of the day on May 21. A final exam schedule will be shared once finalized.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 8:00 a.m. – Senior Breakfast and Class Meeting

Breakfast will be in the cafeteria. Seniors should report directly to the cafeteria at 8:00 a.m.  A senior class picture will follow breakfast on the steps of the entrance into the building at the bus circle. In recognition and celebration of your college/career choices, please wear your college/career choice spirit gear on this day.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 – Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal (10:00 a.m.)

Graduates should arrive at 10:00 a.m. and be in their assigned seats in the main gym by 10:15 a.m. for final attendance. Students who do not attend rehearsal cannot walk at graduation and you must be present for the entire rehearsal. Any student unable to attend or remain for the entire rehearsal will need to email Mrs. Willis (jwillis@mccsc.edu) in advance for approval, otherwise attendance is mandatory.

SATURDAY, MAY 30– Commencement Ceremony at 2:00 p.m.

• Final attendance will be taken at 1:00 pm. in the auxiliary gym.
• Graduates may arrive at BHSN beginning at 12:30 p.m. 
• Seniors are encouraged to carpool or be dropped off by families. Seniors should park in the lower lot and enter door N16 (Aux Gym entrance by baseball field)
• Reminder: Only Graduates are permitted in the staging area (Auxiliary Gym)
• Any student not in line and dressed appropriately (BHSN approved cap, gown, and tassel from Herff Jones) for final attendance will not be permitted to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
• Commencement is a serious and formal ceremony designed to honor our graduates.  Out of respect for all the graduates, we ask that parents and guests help us by holding their celebration and applause until after all the names are read.
• Caps, gowns, and tassels may not be altered in any manner. Students with altered caps, gowns, or tassels will not participate in the ceremony.
• Students will receive all school issued cords in advance of the day of rehearsal. Any personalized or non-school cords, stoles or other adornments will need prior approval by administration to be worn during the commencement ceremony. Seniors should seek approval from Mrs. Willis on the day of rehearsal.
• Students will receive their diploma covers during the ceremony but will need to report to the auxiliary gym to receive their diploma packet after the ceremony. 
• Cell phones must be turned off.
• Students should not have backpacks, purses, or bags or other personal belongings during the ceremony as you will not be able to leave them at your seats or carry anything when walking across the stage to receive your diploma.
• Accessible seating for guests will be available in various locations in the upper/lower levels of the gymnasium.

Seniors may locate information related to commencement and other important information on the BHSN website, Information for SENIORS will be located on the “Counseling Center” tab. Information will be sent via Canvas and ParentSquare to students and families. If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided in this letter, you can reach out by email (jwillis@mccsc.edu) or by phone (812-330-7724 ext. 50255) at your convenience.

Thank you, seniors, for a wonderful year.  The accomplishments of the seniors in the Class of 2026 are truly remarkable.  The BHSN community looks forward to celebrating with you on May 30^th.