Graduation Information

Graduates should arrive at 5:30 pm to ensure a smooth start to the ceremony. As a reminder, all students must comply with Student Behavior Board Policy 7.190 during the graduation ceremony. All graduates must participate in a check-in process to participate in the ceremony. Graduates will be assessed for dress code compliance and possession of props that could disrupt the ceremony and other items prohibited by student behavior policies. When students arrive at the venue, they will be directed to the Willow Waterfall Rooms located on the lower level. We ask that students carry their pressed gowns to the venue to assist with the dress code assessment. Graduates may not bring bags or large purses to the ceremony. 

Graduates are expected to conduct themselves with respect and decorum during the event. Any behavior that disrupts or detracts from the dignity of the event will result in immediate removal. The administration reserves the right to deny participation due to inappropriate attire or behavior before and during the ceremony. Beyond this information page, these expectations have been shared with graduates during an advisory held on April 16, 2025.  We ask that parents and guardians also review these expectations with their graduate. Both the graduate and a guardian of the graduate must complete an Infinite Campus survey acknowledging they have reviewed and understand these expectations before receiving their cap and gown. This survey will be shared with students and guardians through Infinite Campus on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Cap, Gown, and Stole: All students must wear the school-issued graduation cap, gown, and stole.

• No modifications to the cap, gown, and stole are allowed.
• No decorations on the cap will be permitted. 

Dress Code Under the Gown:

• Recommended attire: dress shirt and tie, blouse, dress pants, skirts, or dresses.
• Dress shoes, formal footwear, or dress sneakers should be worn (no flip-flops, house slippers, athletic slides, or gym shoes).
• Avoid clothing that disrupts the uniformity of the ceremony or is inappropriate based on the school dress code.

Adornments (Accessories Worn Over the Gown): Students may wear approved cords, stoles, and medals.

Permitted Adornments:

• School-Awarded Honors & Achievements
  • Academic distinctions (Top 5%, National Honor Society,  National Merit, Illinois State Scholar, Seal of Bi Literacy,  200 Volunteer Hours, CTE Endorsement, Class Officers).
  • Program recognitions (Senior Scholarships, Departmental Awards, Prelude Performers).
  • Military enlistment cords
     
• Cultural and Religious Adornments
  • Students may wear cultural and religious symbols that are respectful and appropriate.
  • These adornments must be worn on top of the gown and should not interfere with uniformity.
     
• School-Affiliated Adornments
  • Students involved in honor societies, student government, IHSA awards, or academic clubs with designated cords or stoles may wear them upon administrative approval.
  • These adornments must be purchased through our webstore hosted by Jostens.

Prohibited Adornments:

• Unauthorized Decorations: Caps and gowns may not be decorated with messages, images, or slogans unless part of a pre-approved recognition.
• Inappropriate Content: Adornments must not contain offensive language, symbols, or references to:
  • Violence, drugs, alcohol, vaping, or illegal activities.
  • Hate speech, profanity, pornography, or discriminatory language.
  • Content that creates a disruptive or unsafe environment.
• Excessive Accessories: Any adornment that obstructs visibility, poses a safety risk, or excessively alters the traditional cap and gown appearance is prohibited.
• Non-School-Affiliated Adornments: Items representing outside organizations, businesses, or personal causes are prohibited.

Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—a day our graduates have worked tirelessly to reach. Every student deserves a well-earned moment of recognition, and we ask for your respect and cooperation to ensure that no guest unintentionally steals the spotlight on this special occasion.
 

To maintain the elegance and dignity of the ceremony, gifts, flags, balloons, bubbles, noise makers, and floral bouquets are not permitted inside the venue. Leave them in your car. Security will strictly enforce this procedure. Guests who bring these items will not be allowed entry and/or will be required to step outside to remove them, causing them to miss key ceremony moments.
 

Our graduates’ names will be read only once. To ensure every family clearly hears their student’s name, applause should be brief and polite—no shouting, prolonged cheering, or distractions. Imagine if your moment of celebration drowned out the name of another student—a moment that a family has waited 18 years to hear. Let’s give each graduate their well-deserved spotlight.

This ceremony reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire graduating class. Any behavior distracting from a graduate’s recognition will result in removal from the event. Please remember: this is not about any one person—it is about celebrating every graduate, including yours. Help us create a respectful, memorable, and proud moment for all. Every graduate deserves nothing less.
 

Caps and gowns will be distributed during Senior Checkout on May 23 in the Library Media Center from 9-3:30pm. All financial obligations (registration fees, lab fees, library fines, activity/athletic dues) must be paid in full before pickup. Fees can be paid via Infinite Campus, cash, or check. Library fees can be checked through the Library Media Center webpage.
 

Date: Friday, May 30, 2025 (following Senior Breakfast)
Time: 10:30 – NOON
Location: Willow Creek Auditorium

Attendance is mandatory—students who do not attend rehearsal will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
 

Empire Photography has been photographing our commencement ceremonies for many years. Each graduate is photographed as they cross the stage. Proofs will be sent to graduates and their families within 72 hours of the ceremony. Click here to pre-register your email address to receive your complimentary proofs quickly.

Ordering details will be sent approximately one week after graduation. For inquiries, please visit www.empirephotos.com/barrington or contact Empire Photography at (608) 257-2941 or customerservice@empirephotos.com.

Willow Creek can be accessed from Barrington Rd. or Algonquin Rd. Parking is available in Lots C, D, E, and F. Please enter through Entrances D or E.
 

Diplomas will be mailed in early June, along with immunization records, which colleges and employers often require. If your mailing address has changed, update it before graduation. If you do not receive your diploma by early July, contact us promptly, as replacement diplomas cannot be issued if a delay occurs. For health record inquiries, call (847) 842-3288.
 

The ceremony will be live-streamed at 7:00 p.m. via a link on the BHS homepage, and a downloadable version will be available after graduation.