More than 1,000 Abilene ISD seniors will walk the stage at Shotwell Stadium this next weekend and collect their diplomas.

545 Abilene High School seniors will walk the stage at Shotwell Stadium Friday at 8:30 p.m. All gates to the stadium will open at 7:00 p.m. 440 Cooper High School seniors will receive their diplomas Saturday at a ceremony set to begin at 8:30 p.m. All gates to the stadium will open at 7:00 p.m.

ATEMS is scheduled to celebrate 87 graduates Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Shotwell Stadium. Gates open for the ATEMS graduation at 7:00 a.m.

Abilene ISD will live stream each of the three ceremonies, and those who can’t attend in person can watch the ceremony of their choice at one of the links at the top of the page.

FAQs

What is the dress code for graduates?

Graduation is a formal ceremony. All graduates must wear the standard cap and gown. The cap may not be decorated. Due to graduation being on an artificial turf field, heels may not be worn because they can damage the field. Graduates must follow the regular dress code concerning piercings. Facial piercings are limited to clear or small studs – no bull rings. Only approved or school awarded graduation items such as cords and stoles may be added to the standard regalia. Students will not be allowed to walk the stage wearing or carrying any non-approved items. Any non-approved items will be confiscated and returned after the ceremony.

Approved items

  • Standard Cap
  • Standard Gown
  • Standard Tassel AHS /CHS /ATEMS
  • Standard stole AHS /CHS /ATEMS
  • NHS stole
  • Top 25 medal AHS /CHS /ATEMS
  • Gold A award medal / C award medal
  • Cords earned through AHS /CHS / Holland / ATEMS

Prohibited items

  • Cap decoration of any kind
  • Congratulatory stoles / cords / necklaces
  • Picture stoles
  • Military stoles
  • Flags or Flag stoles
  • Stethoscopes
  • Non-graduation medals – Examples: Band, Choir, ROTC, Art, Sports, etc.
What date and time is graduation?

AHS – Friday, May 27th – 8:30 pm

ATEMS – Saturday, May 28th – 8:30 am

CHS – Saturday, May 28th – 8:30 pm

What time do the gates open?

AHS – 7:00 pm

ATEMS – 7:00 am

CHS – 7:00 pm

Where should I park?

Only park in Shotwell stadium parking lots. Do not park in the Expo Center parking lots.

How many guests can each graduate bring?

We are not issuing tickets, so graduates can invite as many guests as they want.

Can I go down on the field with my graduate?

No, field access is limited to graduates and staff working the graduation.

Will there be a concession stand?

The concession stand will be open but will only have water for sale. Please note that outside food or drink is not allowed in Shotwell Stadium during graduation.

Is accessible seating available?

Yes! There are four locations for accessible seating. These locations include the North East and North West platforms behind the video board, in the stands on the South West side, and in the stands on the North East side.

Can I save seats?

All AISD graduations are open seating events. We respectfully ask that our guests not save or block off any seats before or during the ceremonies.

What items are prohibited?

To ensure an enjoyable ceremony and protect the safety of all guests, the same prohibited items rules apply to Shotwell Stadium that apply to all AISD facilities. This includes but is not limited to firearms, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Disruptive noisemakers such as air horns are also prohibited at graduation. Outside food or drink and open containers will also not be allowed in Shotwell during graduation. Bottled water will be available for purchase inside the stadium.