“PARENTS:  End of the year activities are around the corner!  We need your help and this is the last chance for you to be involved in your child’s ZHS experience!  Please contact Mr. Perrault (A.K.A. ‘Officer Rob’) if you would like to volunteer for setup, cleanup, food preparation, etc. for Baccalaureate, Awards Ceremony or the Senior Breakfast.  If anyone is interested in donations of food or cash for these events  it would be greatly appreciated as well!  Please email rperraul@pasco.k12.fl.us.  Thank you!”

2012 Commencement Ceremony Highlights

• The Graduation will be held at St. Leo University’s Bowman Center, a short drive from the ZHS campus.  The ceremony starts at 7:00 p.m. and guests begin arriving at 5:45.

• Parking is free; we encourage early arrival and drop-off of passengers at the entrance to the Bowman Center; handicapped parking is available.

• Seating is limited, which is a concern for some, but the benefits of having the ceremony at St. Leo University (fraction of the cost to school/students, proximity, beauty of campus, free parking) outweighs some of those concerns.  Overflow with Closed Circuit Television will be available in the event of a capacity crowd.

•  Flowers will be sold at the entrance to the Bowman Center prior to the ceremony.

• There will only be two practices for seniors; Thursday, May 31st at ZHS (Brunch served to seniors following practice) and June 1st at St. Leo.

• The ceremony should be concluded approximately 8:30 p.m. which leaves plenty of time to return to Zephyrhills for family dinner, etc.

•  Parents are encouraged to arrive at the campus early and take pictures with graduates.  There are many beautiful locations for photo opportunities near the lake and throughout.

Parking arrangements and locations of activities at St. Leo will be posted on the senior website soon.  Please note the guidelines laid for dress code and student conduct during the event.

Congratulations Seniors!

Graduation is a formal ceremony.  Shorts, jeans, and sneakers are NOT formal attire. 
Females should wear white dresses or white skirts and blouses.  Any other color will show through the gown.  Shoes should also be white. Males should wear black slacks and a dress shirt with a tie.  They should also wear black shoes.

•       The cap should be flat on your head, parallel to the ground.
•       Men must remove their cap during the National Anthem.
•       You may decorate your cap BUT the cap must be approved by a senior sponsor or        seniorcounselor during your check out time.
•       Nothing should be added to your gown other than cords and stoles.
•       Your gown should fall midway between the knee and ankle.
•       Tassels are to be worn on the right side and flipped to the left when declared graduates       by Mr.Van Gorden

Proper etiquette is required.  Graduation is a ceremony that carries a high degree of dignity and tradition.  Any actions that disrespect the ceremony may result in a diploma being held.

1. Decorations must lie flat on top of the cap (nothing can hang or protrude from the cap). 
2. No inappropriate words or images are allowed.
3. Examples of appropriate messages include: “Hi Dad,” “Love you Mom” or “Class of 2011”
4. Caps will be checked prior to graduation. Any cap not within these guidelines will be confiscated and the graduate will walk without a cap.

PROPER ETIQUETTE FOR VISITORS AND GRADUATES INCLUDE:

•       Arrive prior to the start of the ceremony.
•       Applaud when appropriate.
•       Stand for the Processional, Recessional, and the Pledge to the flag, and the singing of the       National Anthem.
•       Remain seated until the entire ceremony is complete.
•       Take pictures ONLY from the bleachers or your seats.
•       Leave small children and babies at home.  They will not remember or appreciate the       ceremony.
•       Dress appropriately.
•       Be respectful of those who need handicapped seating and/or special seating       arrangements.
•       Listen politely to those directing you to your seats.
•       Take the program with you as a souvenir.
•       Be proud of your son/daughter.

INAPPROPRIATE ETIQUETTE INCLUDES:

•       Arriving late.
•       Leaving your seat to take pictures.
•       Shouting or yelling out.
•       Setting off air horns or noisemakers.
•       Talking during the ceremony.
•       Standing in the aisles.
•       Holding up signs
•       Leaving before the end of the ceremony.
•       Being argumentative and/or abusive to those trying to direct you to your seats.
•       Beach balls, cat calls, air horns, water guns or other items that would take away from the       dignity of this ceremony are not appropriate.

• Senior parking lot privileges
• Senior stage
• Unique student id
• Special Senior lanyards
• First dismissal to all school wide events
• Early dismissal on Fridays
• Bulldog Inn