Dear Graduates and Family Members,
We are looking forward to our upcoming Awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 27th in the Northwood
auditorium and graduation exercises on Saturday, June 13th at Carmichael Arena. Preparations are well
underway and there are a few important issues that everyone needs to understand.
Senior Awards Ceremony: The senior awards ceremony will be held in the Northwood auditorium on
Wednesday, May 27th, at 10:00 AM as a part of our “Senior Day” celebration. Seniors will begin the day with a
catered breakfast; move to yearbook distribution and then to the awards assembly in the auditorium. After the
assembly we will have other activities including a cook out lunch. Dr. Matthew Garret, retired president of
CCCC and Pastor at Moncure Baptist Church will address the graduates. All are welcome to attend but, due to
the limited capacity of the Northwood auditorium, seating will be on a first come first served basis.
Graduation Rehearsal: Rehearsal for graduation will be held at Carmichael Auditorium on Friday, June 12th
from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from Northwood for those who need it. The
bus will leave NHS at 5:20 p.m. sharp. ATTENDANCE AT REHEARSAL IS REQUIRED. You will need
prior permission from an administrator to miss rehearsal and still participate in the graduation ceremony.
Graduation Ceremonies: Once again, graduation ceremonies will be held at Carmichael Arena on the campus
of UNC at 1:00 p.m. There is NO LIMIT on the number of guests that may attend graduation. Parking is
available in several lots near the arena and signs will be posted around campus directing guests to parking areas.
Graduates should arrive at the center by 12:00 p.m. so that we may begin organizing the procession.
Dress Code: Dress code for graduation will be strictly enforced. Please see the enclosed page for details about
dress code. Graduates are not allowed to decorate their mortarboards or to deviate from the dress code in
any way. Individuals who do so will not be allowed to participate in the Awards Ceremony or Graduation.
Charger Challenge: Starting with the graduating class of 2015, community service hours and job shadowing
hours are no longer required for graduation. We continue to believe that community service is extremely
important to both character development and to the development of community leadership and service skills. As
such, Charger Challenge will now be a voluntary program for all students. Students who successfully complete
100 hours of community service will be recognized for their contribution to their community at graduation. Prior
years’ hours may be counted up to a maximum of 60. 40 additional hours must be completed before April 30,
2015. Completed Community Service Verification forms are due May 1, 2015. Late forms will not be
accepted.
Fees: Seniors with outstanding fees (cafeteria, media, technology & others) should submit their payments as
soon as possible. The full balance must be paid in in order to participate in Northwood’s graduation ceremony
and to receive an official printed diploma. Seniors who have not paid their balances by Friday, June 12th at
12:00 p.m. will not be permitted to attend graduation practice or participate in the graduation ceremony. Only
cash or money order will be accepted for payments made after Friday, May 29th.
We look forward to seeing everyone at these events. Keep an eye on the Northwood announcement page for
more information. See you at graduation!
Mr. Skip Thibault
Graduation Coordinator
[email protected]
Dress Code and Behavior
The Dress Code is the same for both ceremonies. Students must be in their caps and gowns to
participate in the Baccalaureate service. Students who are not in compliance with the dress code
will not be allowed to participate in the Baccalaureate or Graduation ceremonies. If you are unable to
meet these requirements please see an administrator prior to June 3rd.
Behavior for Graduates
We are guests in Carmichael Arena and should conduct ourselves accordingly. Our contract with them
explicitly prohibits graduates from using silly string or other similar products, which may damage the
floor. Balloons, beach balls and similar items are also prohibited. Students who disrupt the dignity of
the event, will have their diplomas held and will be required to work a minimum of 32 hours with the
Northwood custodial staff after June 13th. Upon completion of these hours diplomas will be mailed to
the graduates.
Behavior for Guests
Guests will be asked to hold applause until all of the names of the graduates are announced. Cheering
for one student while another’s name is being read is rude and disruptive to the ceremony. Guests who
insist upon disrupting the ceremony will be escorted out of the facility.
Dress for Ladies
1. Dress shoes (no sneakers of any kind, no casual sandals, flip flops nor sports shoes)
2. Natural color hose or no hose
3. Dress or skirt and top (Avoid having a dress or skirt that is longer than your gown)
4. No shorts
5. The white collar for around the neck of ladies gowns has been discontinued by Herf Jones
Dress for Gentlemen
1. Khaki dress pants, no shorts
2. Dress shirt, white
3. Dark necktie (Required)
4. Dress shoes (no sneakers, flip flops, tennis shoes, sandals, boots, sports shoes)
For everybody
1. Caps are worn with the front point of the cap in the center of the
forehead. They should be flat on top (the mortar board) when sitting
or standing erect.
2. Tassels should be placed at the left front.
3. Graduates are not allowed to decorate their mortarboards or to
deviate from the dress code in any way.