The Graduation Ceremony is a very special occasion for graduates, their families, and the staff at Lafayette High School.  Each person associated with this event expects and deserves a dignified and meaningful ceremony. Lafayette High School is committed to insuring such occurs.  The following guidelines have been established to promote dignity and mutual respect throughout the ceremony.  Their acceptance and compliance is required for attendance and participation.  Students participating in the ceremony should arrive at the designated “graduate only” entrance to the Chaifetz Arena on the campus of St. Louis University no later than 5:30 p.m.  The complex will open for general seating at 6 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 7 p.m.

A.    With respect to dress:

1.    Boys must wear a dress shirt and tie, dress slacks, dress socks, and dress shoes.  No shorts, jeans, or athletic shoes are permissible.

2.    Girls must wear a skirt or dress, appropriate blouse and shoes.  No athletic shoes are permissible.

3.    No flowers are permitted to be worn on the graduation gown.

4.    Caps and gowns must be worn in accordance with instructions

5.    National Honor Society collars, National Merit hoods, Bright Flight Stoles, departmental honor cords, and Academic Excellence Medallions are the only items permitted to be worn with graduation gown.  Any unauthorized items will be removed and returned after the ceremony. 

B.         With respect to behavior

1.    Nothing may be taken into the arena by the students or guests that might detract from the graduation ceremony.  Inappropriate items will be confiscated by Chaifetz Arena or Lafayette personnel.  Balloons, noise-makers, and signs are prohibited in the Chaifetz Arena.

2.    No person under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be allowed to participate or attend the event. 

3.    No behavior which detracts from the dignity of the ceremony will be allowed.  Participants and guests involved in such behavior will be immediately removed from the graduation exercise and the Chaifetz Arena by authorized personnel. 

4.    Spectators are to refrain from applause during the awarding of diplomas.  Each family in attendance expects and deserves to hear the name of their graduate as it is read.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, feel free to join in the celebration by applauding the graduates. 

C.    With respect to seating

1.    Designated seating for individuals in wheelchairs is available upon entering the arena from the lobby and will be facilitated by Chaifetz arena personnel.  Guests in wheelchairs will be able to have one non-disabled guest seated with them in the designated area.  All other family members will be able to sit in the general area near the designated wheelchair seating area.     

2.    There will be no guest seating on or access to the main floor.  This area will be limited to graduates and staff members before, during, and after the ceremony. 

3.    Guests will be admitted to the Chaifetz arena by ticket only and can sit in available stadium style seating other than areas designated for individuals in wheelchairs. 

D.   With respect to pictures

1.    Due to no restricted access, no pictures may be taken on the main floor before, during, or after the ceremony.

2.    The taking of pictures or visiting by family members is not allowed in the student assembly room. Only staff members and graduating students are allowed in this area.

3.    Due to restricted access, no video cameras are allowed on the floor level of the arena.

4.    A professional photographer will be taking pictures as graduates receive their diplomas on the stage.  In addition, the ceremony will also be filmed by Copy Cat Video.  Order forms for both of these services have been included in this packet of information.   

5.    Due restricted access, no other pictures will be taken on, by, or around the stage following the conclusion of the program.  There will be a recessional to conclude the ceremony and graduates are required to turn their cap and gown to receive their diploma. Families are encouraged to take pictures at home or outside of the Chaifetz Arena with their child before graduates are required to report inside at 5:30 p.m. 

The Class of 2013 has distinguished itself in academics, extracurricular activities, achievement, character and service to school and community.  It has secured for itself a lofty place in Lafayette tradition.  It is for that reason that we are committed to making this a beautiful and special graduation ceremony.