Commencement Schedule
Please review important information below regarding upcoming events as we celebrate the accomplishments, contributions, and spirit of our 2024 graduates!
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
Commencement Rehearsal
3:00 PM | Wrestling Room
Seniors will gather with members of the administration to rehearse for their big day and to receive the famous bow tie lesson from Headmaster Burke.
Baccalaureate Mass & Dinner
5:00 PM | St. Bartholomew Church
Members of the Class of 2024 and their parents are invited to join us for this celebration in honor of our graduates. This event is for seniors and their parents only. Seating in the Church will be open; graduates should sit with their parents.
6:00 PM | Ward Hall
Dinner and the Awards Presentation will take place in Ward Hall immediately following Mass. Parents may indicate two other families they'd like to sit with when completing the RSVP form.
Invitations and a link to the RSVP form will be sent in early May.
DRESS CODE: blazer and dress pants, along with bow tie which students will receive at Commencement Rehearsal.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Pre-Commencement
7:30 AM | Martin Hall
Seniors are asked to report to Martin Hall in the Burke Family Center for pre-Commencement activities, including receiving their boutonnieres and photographs.
DRESS CODE: white pants, dress shoes, white dress shirt, blue blazer, along with alumni tie which students will receive at the Baccalaureate Dinner.
*If you would like to purchase white pants for Commencement from Vineyard Vines, Chestnut Hill is offering students a 15% discount with their student ID.
The formal Class of 2024 picture and other photos will be taken in the morning prior to the graduation procession. The procession, led by Headmaster Burke, will begin at 8:45 AM. We ask that all parents remain in or near their seats during the procession. This will help provide a clear view for the School’s photographers and videographer. Please know that all professional photos taken throughout the day will be available to all parents online to view and download free of charge. Thank you for your help with this important part of the event.
Commencement Exercises
9:00 AM | West Campus Fields
Grade 11 Mom volunteers will be ready to assist you in locating your reserved seats.
Please note the start time for this year's ceremony will be at 9:00 AM.
SEATING: At the Senior/Alumni Breakfast on May 29, each senior will draw a number corresponding to a specific location on the West Campus Fields where his five family members will sit for Commencement exercises. This reserved seating policy assures that each family will be seated comfortably with full access to your five allotted seats and obviate the need for families to arrive early to claim seats. If you do not plan to use all five seats or you need more seating (we can accommodate up to 8 guests at your assigned seats with plenty of extra seating at the back), please let us know by contacting Kelsey Kane at kelsey_kane@stsebs.org.
In the event of rain, Commencement will be moved indoors to St. Bartholomew Church. Extra seating will be available in the McCulloch Room with Graduation simulcast on the big screen.
Commencement Luncheon
Ward Hall
After the Commencement Ceremony, we will be providing lunch and refreshments in Ward Hall.
ADDITIONAL SENIOR EVENTS
Senior Class/Alumni Breakfast *Note date change
Wednesday, May 29, 9:30 AM | Class of 2007 Terrace, Griffith Headmaster's House
Seniors will be welcomed into the ranks of Arrows alumni by the President of the Board of Trustees and the President of the Alumni Association. Senior Service Oral Reports will follow the breakfast.
Senior Parent Dinner
Sunday, June 2, 4:00 PM | Martin Hall & Griffith Headmaster's House
Bill and Patty Burke invite senior parents to celebrate your son’s graduation from St. Sebastian’s School at the Class of 2024 Senior Parent Dinner. A cocktail reception in Martin Hall will be followed by dinner on the Class of 2007 Terrace at the Griffith Headmaster's House.
In addition to the events above, there are many opportunities for you and your son to celebrate his accomplishments and make more memories before he graduates from St. Sebastian's. For your convenience, here is a complete list of events involving seniors and their families.