Seniors: Class of 2023
Senior year is a major milestone for our Patriot families and, for many, an opportunity to make one more year’s worth of lasting memories with their friends and teachers at Stevenson. Find out more about your senior yearbook photos and portrait options, cap and gown order details, graduation, and other events/celebrations in the tabs below.
Important Dates
-
Prom - April 15, 2023
-
Senior Sunrise - April 28, 2023
- Senior Class Party - May 25, 2023
- Commencement Graduation Ceremony - May 26, 2023
Commencement
Graduation Rehearsal & Ceremony
Commencement Ceremony Rehearsal
Friday, May 26, 2023
7:30 a.m.
Stevenson High School | Fieldhouse
On the morning of the ceremony, Friday, May 26, seniors will attend a mandatory rehearsal ceremony here on campus. Check-in and breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with counselors in the Fieldhouse. After rehearsal, students will report back to their counselor to receive and sign out eight graduation tickets.
Class of 2023 Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 26, 2023
5 p.m.
NOW Arena (5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192)
- Doors open to the public: 3:30 p.m.
- Graduates report to NOW Arena: No later than 4 p.m.
- Commencement begins: 5 p.m.
Doors to NOW Arena will open to the public at 3:30 p.m. Graduates should report no later than 4 p.m. Guests will enter the arena through the main entrance. All graduates will enter the arena through Door 11 (See page 3) when they arrive. At this entrance, graduates will walk through metal detectors. Only school-provided regalia will be allowed at the ceremony. The actual graduation ceremony will begin promptly at 5 p.m. and can be live-streamed accessed here.
Parking at NOW Arena
- NOW Arena is allowing families to arrive in two cars maximum.
Caps and Gowns
Caps and Gowns
Jostens 2022-23 Schedule for Stevenson
- Friday, Oct. 14, 2022 | All Day | Upper West Patriot Lobby -- On-site graduation memorabilia orders
- Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Wood Commons -- Graduation Announcement pick-ups
- Thursday, May 11, 2023 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Wood Commons -- Cap and gown pick-ups
- Friday, May 26, 2023 | Fieldhouse following graduation rehearsal -- Cap and gown pick-ups
Helpful Links
Contact
Brian Walter
Jostens Sales Representative
walteroffice@jostens.com | 847-818-8419 (call or text)
More Information
More Information
Please read below for more relevant information about the commencement ceremony.
Event Photos
Photos of this year's graduation ceremony will be taken by Visual Image Photography (VIP). All images will be posted online for view and order about a week after graduation. You will receive an email when they are ready to view and order, or you can visit www.vipis.com. Please contact VIP at support@vipis.com with any questions.
Safety
NOW Arena has also implemented a “clear bag policy,” which limits the size of bags entering the arena and requires the majority of bags to be clear to streamline the security screening process and avoid unnecessary wait times to enter the venue. Exceptions will be made for medical, family, or childcare bags or small clutches no larger than 4.5”x6.5”. No outside food or beverages are allowed with the exception of water and snacks for young children and babies.
Accessibility for Guest with Disabilities
Accessible parking and seating will be available; however, wheelchair escorts and wheelchairs will not be available for guests.
Caps and Gowns
Please press and hang the gown for a sufficient period prior to commencement in order to minimize the number of wrinkles. Tassels are to be worn on the right side of the cap before the diploma is handed out and shifted to the left when the diploma is received. Students may keep their cap, gown, and tassel. Caps are not allowed to be decorated.
If students have not picked up their cap and gown yet (as of May 8), they may do so following graduation rehearsal.
Conduct
It is our hope that the commencement ceremony will honor the Class of 2023. We believe that the ceremony should reflect the high standards which characterize the class and Stevenson High School. Accordingly, we expect that all graduates and their guests will conduct themselves in a dignified and solemn manner which reflects the significance of the occasion. The NOW Arena staff will confiscate items causing disruption to the ceremony including air horns, balloons, beach balls, etc.
Appropriate Dress
Students are expected to dress formally and in a manner appropriate to graduation, the culminating experience of a high school career. With respect to dressing for the occasion: Shorts, jeans, and purses will not be allowed into the arena. With respect to what shoes to wear: While students are highly encouraged to dress in formal shoes, we understand that for many of our students, this may include clean sneakers that they are proud to wear.
Diplomas
All diplomas will be mailed home after the commencement ceremony. Any fines must be paid prior to the diploma being mailed.
Senior Events
Senior Class Party
Senior Class Party
Spirit of Chicago
May 25, 2023
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
This year, the Senior Class Party will embark on a Lake Michigan boat cruise aboard the Spirit of Chicago.
Buses will board at Stevenson at 12 p.m. and head to Navy Pier to board the Spirit of Chicago at 2 p.m. for a two-hour cruise on Lake Michigan. Buses will bring everyone back to SHS by around 6 p.m. (depending on traffic.)
Included:
- Lunch buffet with desserts and unlimited soft drinks
- Seniors will enjoy amazing skyline views and DJ entertainment during the cruise.
Tickets:
The early-bird price for tickets is $40 until Mar. 31. After Apr. 1 ticket prices will be $45. Student ID numbers are required to complete transactions.
*LAST DAY TO PURCHASE TICKETS IS MAY 4
Purchase Tickets to the Senior Class Party
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do you mean Boat Cruise?
A: The Senior Party will be a Lake Michigan boat cruise on the Spirit of Chicago ship. This will be a PRIVATE event for Stevenson Seniors only.
Q: Can I drive to the boat myself?
A: No, everyone must ride the buses.
Q: Can I ride the same bus as my friends?
A: Yes, after Spring Break there will be an opportunity for ticket holders to sign up for buses. You and your friends can all choose the same bus, as space permits. You cannot pick a bus until you have purchased your ticket, so be ready and buy your ticket now! Ticket-holders who do not sign up for a bus will be assigned to one randomly.
Q: What about Finals? Thursday May 25th is a Final Experience day.
A: Seniors who are attending the Senior Party will be given the opportunity for finals earlier in the week.
Q: What will I need to board the bus?
A: You’ll need your mobile ticket from GoFan and your Student ID.
Prom
Prom
April 15, 2023
Time TBD
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago, Rosemont, IL
For more information, visit the Stevenson High School Prom 2023 info hub.
Senior Sunrise
Senior Sunrise
April 28, 2023
Time 7:30 - 8:25 a.m.
Stevenson High School | The Stadium
Celebrate new beginnings on Friday at the Senior Sunrise! If you're attending college, feel free to wear your school gear. There will be hot chocolate, orange juice, fruit, donuts & bagels and cream cheese, other food, and music. You can also pick up your cap and gown for graduation! Students should bring their ID to be able to pick up their caps and gowns. There will also be the opportunity for you to get your own autograph toy and have all of your friends sign it! Ultimately, it will be a great time to hang out with your friends and remember good times from high school at Stevenson!