Abilene ISD is proud to celebrate our Class of 2024 graduates with upcoming commencement exercises on May 24 and 25. More than 900 Abilene ISD students will walk the stage at Shotwell Stadium that weekend and collect their diplomas. Please bookmark this page to save important graduation information, including any schedule changes!

AHS: The 136th graduating class from Abilene High School will receive their diplomas beginning at 8:00 PM on Friday, May 24. Stadium gates will open at 7:00 PM.

ATEMS: The 12th graduating class from ATEMS will walk the stage at Shotwell Stadium beginning at 8:30 AM on Saturday, May 25. Gates will open at 7:30 AM.

CHS: The 63rd graduating class from Cooper High School will walk the stage on Saturday, May 25, beginning at 8:00 PM. All gates to the stadium will open at 7:00 PM.

AISD GRADUATION 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 are allowed. 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 or C award medal
  • Cords earned via campus (AHS, CHS, ATEMS, Holland)

Prohibited items

  • Cap decoration of any kind
  • Congratulatory stoles, cords, or necklaces
  • Picture stoles
  • Military stoles
  • Flags or flag stoles
  • Stethoscopes
  • Non-graduation medals (Examples: band, choir, JROTC, art, athletics, etc.)
When is graduation?

AHS: Friday, May 24, 8:00 PM

ATEMS: Saturday, May 25, 8:30 AM

CHS: Saturday, May 25, 8:00 PM

Gates open 60 minutes before each ceremony.

Where is graduation?

All commencement exercises will be held at Shotwell Stadium. Click here for directions and stadium information.

Where should I park?

All Shotwell Stadium parking lots will be available for each graduation ceremony.

Parking in the Abilene Expo Center parking lots is NOT permitted for AISD graduation ceremonies.

What time do the gates open?

AHS: Gates open 7:00 PM

ATEMS: Gates open 7:30 AM

CHS: Gates open 7:00 PM

What items are prohibited from entry?

For the safety of all guests at graduation, the same prohibited items rules apply to Shotwell Stadium that apply to all AISD campuses and facilities.

Prohibited items include firearms, alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and disruptive noisemakers such as airhorns. Outside food or drink and open containers will also not be allowed in Shotwell during graduation.

Bottled water will be available for purchase during graduation at concessions stands inside the stadium.

Are tickets required to attend graduation?

No. All AISD graduation ceremonies are non-ticketed events open to all guests.

How many guests can each graduate bring?

As many as you want! AISD graduation ceremonies are non-ticketed events. All are welcome to attend.

Is accessible seating available?

Yes. There are four locations for accessible seating inside Shotwell Stadium. These locations include the Northeast and Northwest platforms behind the video board, in the stands on the Southwest side, and in the stands on the Northeast side.

Please ask an usher for assistance if you or a loved one needs help locating accessible seating.

Can I save seats?

Abilene ISD graduation ceremonies are non-ticketed open seating events. We respectfully ask that our guests refrain from saving or blocking off any seats before or during the ceremonies.

The best plan is to arrive with your complete group and locate your preferred available seats together. Thank you for your cooperation!

Can I go down on the field with my graduate?

No. Field access is restricted to graduates and assigned Abilene ISD staff members only at all times, including after commencement has ended. Graduates will recess off the field at the conclusion of each ceremony.

Will there be a concession stand?

Shotwell concessions will be open for the sale of bottled water only. Outside food or drink is not permitted inside Shotwell Stadium during any graduation ceremony.

Can I watch graduation online?

Yes! All three ceremonies will be livestreamed on AISD Live.

What if bad weather happens?

Abilene ISD will update our website, including this page, and our district social media channels if inclement weather forces any changes to our ceremony schedule.