Important Graduation & Commencement Information for

the Class of 2011 John Overton High School

There are several activities surrounding graduation that require your money and attention.  Please read and keep this information for reference.

            Senior Dues - $60.00

            Every senior who will participate in commencement ceremonies and/or Senior Week activities must pay

            senior dues.  Dues cover the costs of the graduation facility, security/medical personnel, decorations, and

            other items and supplies needed for commencement and senior week.  Senior dues will be collected in

 February and are not covered by fee waiver. 

            Caps and Gowns – $30.59

            Mr. Smiley of Herff-Jones will present information on ordering caps and gowns, invitations, and other

graduation items at a scheduled meeting in January.  A cap and gown are required for participation in

commencement ceremonies, and they are NOT covered by fee waiver.  This is a change from previous years

as a result of an opinion by the State of Tennessee’s Attorney General. 

Ordering graduation invitations is optional, and it is not covered by fee waiver.        

Mr. Smiley’s phone number is 329-2504.  He may be reached by email at Mike@mikesmiley.com.

            Honor Cords & Stoles

            These are for students meeting academic requirements for the Scholar’s Diploma and for

            those in specific honor societies (National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Tri-M).  Check with

 your club sponsor for more information on ordering these honor stoles.

            Requirements for Graduation

            Graduation is the act of completing high school and earning a diploma.  These requirements are set by the state

of Tennessee and the Metro Board of Education.  These include completing all required courses, credits and tests.

Ø  24 credits & pass all three Gateway Tests

Requirements for Commencement

Commencement is the ceremony in which most students actually receive their diplomas.  Requirements to participate in commencement are set by Overton High School and are consistent with most other local high schools.  These include serving any detentions or other punishments, turning in all textbooks & library books, clearing all school debts (sports, band, library, fundraisers, lost textbooks, etc. including from previous years), paying senior dues and purchasing a cap & gown.

The Big Dates:

Commencement Rehearsal – Friday, May 20, 2010 in the main gym at Overton High School.  You must attend rehearsal in order to participate in commencement exercises.

Commencement – Saturday, May 21, 2010 at 9 am at Belmont University’s Curb Center.

***Participation in commencement ceremonies is optional.

COMMENCEMENT ATTIRE:

            Girls – Dark or red dress shoes.  Dress or skirt must not show below the hem of your gown.

            Boys – Dress shirt and tie.  Dark dress shoes, dark socks, dark dress pants.  No khakis or jeans. 

***OVERTON HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND FACULTY RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DENY STUDENTS DRESSED INAPPROPRIATELY OR BEHAVING INAPPROPRIATELY THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES.