Graduation is Saturday, May 25!
It is almost time to celebrate our students as they graduate from Licking Heights and join our Hornet alumni family! To ensure the best and most memorable experience for all students, families, and staff members involved, please review these frequently asked questions so you can prepare for the event.
Ceremony Times and Seating Questions
Where will the graduation ceremony be this year?
While our plan has been to have graduation in our new Athletic Complex, construction is not yet completed to the point where we can provide a meaningful experience for our graduates, their families, and guests. Therefore, we will hold this year's graduation ceremony in the athletic stadium at Licking Heights Middle School, 4000 Mink St., Pataskala, OH. Please rest assured that we will still do everything we can to make this graduation experience as special and memorable as possible for the Class of 2024!
What time will the gates open for the ceremony?
The stadium will open at 2:45 p.m. and the graduation ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m. We expect the ceremony to conclude by 6:00 p.m.
Can I reserve seats for family/friends?
We are expecting over 3,000 guests for our 2024 graduation ceremony. We want as many families as possible to have the opportunity to attend their student’s graduation. Seating is first come, first serve. Please be considerate of other guests and their families.
What if it rains?
In the event of inclement weather on Saturday, May 25, we will make an announcement on Facebook at 1 p.m. that graduation will be rescheduled to Sunday, May 26 at 1 p.m. at the stadium.
If there is inclement weather on both days, we will hold graduation on Sunday, May 26 at 1 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. We will make an announcement on Facebook at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 26 to communicate where the ceremony will be held.
In the event of an indoor graduation ceremony, we will send updated parking directions.
Do I need a ticket for the ceremony?
Tickets are NOT REQUIRED this year for the OUTDOOR graduation ceremony. However, should we have to hold graduation INSIDE due to inclement weather, each graduate will have FOUR TICKETS they can give to family or friends. In the event of an indoor ceremony, we will livestream graduation in the high school auditorium so additional guests of students may watch on-sight and meet up with students following the ceremony.
Rain date tickets will be given to students at graduation practice. Again, tickets are ONLY NEEDED IN THE EVENT OF AN INDOOR CEREMONY.
Are there accommodations for handicap seating?
Our goal is to create an environment where all guests may comfortably watch their student’s graduation. There will be seating on the track in front of the home side of the stadium, which will include handicap seating at the ends of the rows. Some seats at the ends of rows will be reserved for those accompanying guests in wheelchairs. For hearing impaired guests, we have a reserved section with an ASL interpreter and will direct those who need the interpreter to that location upon arrival at the stadium.
Can I watch the ceremony live online?
Yes! We will be livestreaming the ceremony on our
district YouTube channel. We recommend subscribing to our channel in advance so you can watch the ceremony.
Parking Questions
How will parking work upon arrival?
Parking spaces are limited with the amount of guests we expect at graduation this year. We highly recommend that guests carpool to save as many spaces as possible for other attendees. We ask that all guests please follow the directions and guidance listed here for the safety of all drivers and passengers.
Graduation parking can only be accessed from our Mink Street entrance. Entrances to our campus from Cable Road and Summit Road will be closed. The Pataskala Police Department will be directing the flow of traffic. Please follow their directions and park sequentially in the Middle School parking lot. Once the Middle School lot is full, cars will be directed to the High School parking lot.
There will also be a drop-off area near the stop sign by the Middle School for anyone needing assistance or to drop off family members. There will be district golf cart drivers available at the drop-off area, too.
Handicap accessible parking is available behind the Middle School. Our guests requiring accessible parking should have their handicap pass visible and let our volunteers know. They will direct you to the reserved lot.
Grassy areas will be used as overflow parking. Parallel parking will also be used along grassy areas. There will be a limited number of volunteers available to shuttle guests from the furthest parking area to the event via golf cart.
How will we exit the parking areas?
At the end of the ceremony, please exit on either Summit Road or Mink Road. Exiting onto Cable Road will not be permitted. Officers from the Pataskala Police Department will be stationed to efficiently direct the flow of traffic as our guests leave. Since we are expecting such a large crowd for this event, please expect possible delays and wait times when leaving. We appreciate our guests being patient to ensure the safety of all visitors.
Accommodations Questions
Will snacks or drinks be available?
Yes! Both concessions from our stadium concession stand and a number of local food trucks will be available onsite for purchase.
May I bring a bag into the ceremony?
The safety and security of our students, family, and staff is always our number one priority–especially at a large gathering like our graduation ceremony. As such, we have a no backpack or large bag policy. A small purse or clutch may be brought into the ceremony. Please note that our district is a weapon- and tobacco-free campus.
Will medics be available to help those in need?
Taking necessary medical precautions is a district standard for large events like graduation. Medics will be onsite to provide assistance to any guests in need throughout the event. They will be stationed near the concession stand in the stadium.
Are restrooms available?
Yes, our stadium restrooms located by the concession stands will be open during the event. Custodians will be servicing these facilities throughout the duration of the event.