A Clarke Central High School Class of 2025 alumna shakes CCHS Principal Dr. Swade Huff’s hand at the CCHS 2025 graduation ceremony in Akins Ford Arena on May 22, 2025. The 2026 graduation ceremony is planned to mimic last year’s in terms of location and program and will be held on May 23, starting at 4 p.m.. “The thing (about graduation) I’m looking (forward to) the most is definitely all the events leading up to the actual (graduation) day,” CCHS senior Sara Laine said. “I feel very scared and nervous (to graduate) but definitely (also) a mix of happy and excited to graduate. It’s a mix.” Photo by Iliana Tejada
The CCHS 2026 graduation ceremony will be held, for the second consecutive year, at the Akins Ford Arena at 4 p.m. on May 23.
The Clarke Central High School class of 2026 will celebrate their accomplishments and begin a new chapter of their lives at their graduation ceremony, which will take place beginning at 4 p.m. on May 23 at Akins Ford Arena.
This will be the second CCHS graduation ceremony held at the arena, which, according to Family Engagement Specialist Christian Barner, has an abundance of seating but poses transportation issues. To combat this, graduating seniors are expected to be in the Dr. Miller W. Jordan, Jr. Memorial Food Court by 1:30 p.m. on graduation day to take buses to the arena. Shuttles will also run from CCHS and Clarke Middle School for attendees.
“In order to hold (graduation at Akins Ford Arena), we have to bus everybody there. All the graduates have to be bused. We have to bus the band, all the JROTC students, and a lot of the teachers as well,” Barner said. “Parking is also an issue for families because it’s really tight. It is more difficult to find parking, and people (also) have to pay for parking.”
“The best thing (about graduation) is that it’s a culminating event for students and families. It’s a big deal for families to see their students (graduate). (Hearing) the cheering of the families and the excitement is what makes (graduation) awesome.”
— Christian Barner,
CCHS Family Engagement Specialist
According to Barner, for the event to run smoothly, CCHS will host a graduation rehearsal on May 22, with graduating seniors required to be in the cafeteria at 12:30 p.m. to ride buses to the venue.
“I think having (graduation at Akins Ford Arena) is a good idea, and (it’s) best for it to be there because no matter the weather or temperature, everyone is happy and we will still be able to have (graduation when it is planned),” CCHS senior Sara Laine said. “(However), I think it would feel more comfortable (to have graduation) on (CCHS’) field.”
The program will resemble last year’s, featuring a processional, speeches and presentations. The CCHS Wind Symphony will play the processional and recessional, and JROTC will perform the Pledge of Allegiance.
“The best thing (about graduation) is that it’s a culminating event for students and families. It’s a big deal for families to see their students (graduate). (Hearing) the cheering of the families and the excitement is what makes (graduation) awesome,” Barner said. “Students have worked really hard. It’s a big relief for a lot of families to see their students make it across the stage. That’s what makes it special.”
