Location: Senior Sub-school, room 455

Due Date:June 3, 2026

Deadline to Pay by Check:April 30, 2026 

Each senior must pay a one-time graduation fee of $75.00.  Graduation dues cover the cost of the venue, cap and gown, diploma cover, rental of equipment, security, senior lunch, rehearsal breakfast, and flowers associated with the graduation ceremony.  We prefer that dues are paid via MySchoolBucks (MSB).  All dues can be paid by credit or debit card via  www.myschoolbucks.com . Click on School Store, and add Class of 2026 Senior Dues to the cart.  To pay by credit/debit card, you MUST have an MSB account already set up. Cash/checks are collected in the Senior Sub-school located in room 455.  The deadline for paying by check is April 30, 2026. Students will not be permitted to pick up their cap and gown until all fees are paid. 

Location:Senior Sub-school

Due Date:All Outstanding Obligations,  June 3, 2026

Students need to pay all fines and fees by the start of business on Wednesday June 3, 2026.

The Senior Sub-school will have obligation lists available so students can conveniently check to see if they owe money or have any outstanding obligations.  After April 30, all fees must be paid by cash or by credit or debit card through  www.myschoolbucks.com .  To pay by credit card, you MUST have a myschoolbucks.com account already set up. It is particularly important for seniors to continue monitoring their obligations as the year ends.  If textbooks or other school equipment are lost, the student will still be responsible for the cost of replacement.  Students may not participate in the graduation ceremony until financial obligations are met.  

Location:Westfield Marriott, 14750 Conference Center Dr., Chantilly, VA 20151

Date: April 18, 2026

Time: 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm

The 2026 South Lakes High School Prom will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Westfield Marriott, Chantilly, VA.

South Lakes High School juniors and seniors are invited to the prom.  If you are bringing a non-South Lakes guest, a guest form is required to be approved before you can purchase a ticket for your guest.  Guest forms can be picked up in any sub-school.  Completed guest forms need to be returned to the student’s alpha sub-school for final administrator approval.  If turning in a guest form during regular ticket sales, please allow two (2) days for forms to get approved once submitted to the sub-school.  Guest forms are due by 3:00 p.m. on April 9, 2026. 

Tickets can be purchased via MySchoolBucks.com.  Tickets are $85.00.  Tickets will be sold for cash during all lunches beginning on April 13 through April 17, 2026.  Tickets will be sold at the door on April 18, 2026 for $100.00. This is a  CASH ONLY exchange. All ticket sales are final. There will be no refunds.

Ticket prices are as follows:   

$85.00 per person before April 18

• Purchase online via MySchoolBucks.com until April 10
• Cash only at all lunches April 13  - April 17
• $100.00 cash only per person at the door on the day of the prom

We expect the prom to be a safe activity.  Students attending will be expected to support this goal.  Students and guests must bring their prom tickets and picture ID to be admitted to prom.  The prom ticket must be shown for admittance.  Students who depart from the prom entrances will not be re-admitted.   Students should be aware that there is no coat or bag check at prom.  Students are responsible for their own items at the event. 

South Lakes High School firmly adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on the use and/or possession of alcohol or other drugs.  Students possessing, using, or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or in possession of drug-related paraphernalia at any senior activities, including prom, or any other school-related activity, will be subject to a mandatory suspension from school activities and may face additional disciplinary action, including a possible referral to the Division Superintendent, in accordance with FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities.  

Dates:  May 22, 2026 – June 1, 2026

Date	Time	Notes
Friday, May 22	Periods 5 and 7	Full School Day
Thursday, May 28	Periods 6 and 8	Full School Day
Friday, May 29	Periods 1 and 3	Full School Day
Monday, June 1	Period 2	Seniors return their laptops, clean out lockers

** Note that Tuesday, June 2nd is an Activity Day for seniors and there is no school (day off)

Graduation Rehearsals (Attendance is Mandatory)

Location:South Lakes High School Gymnasium

Dates & Times: June 3, 2026 & June 4, 2026

Wednesday, June 3, 8:15 a.m. - lunch will be served immediately following

Thursday, June 4, 8:15 a.m. - a quick breakfast will be served before rehearsal

Rehearsal for the graduation ceremony is  requiredof all seniors who will participate in the graduation.  Seniors will report to the  South Lakes High School gym on Wednesday and Thursday.  Rehearsal will take approximately 2 hours each day.  Attendance will be taken for this  mandatoryactivity.  Important details about the ceremony, such as lining up, seating, and receiving diplomas, will be discussed and practiced.  

Fines and Fees & Senior Lunch

Location: South Lakes High School Gymnasium

Date:  Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Time:  8:15 a.m.

Students who have not paid fines and fees (e.g., course fees, textbook fees, library fines, transcript fees, senior dues, etc.),  WILL NOTreceive their cap and gown until all financial obligations are satisfied.  It is preferred that these are paid via MySchoolBucks.  Please settle all financial obligations by June 3, 2026 . Checks or cash will not be accepted after April 30, 2026; you may pay by credit or debit card at  www.myschoolbucks.com .

Any students still owing fines and fees as of June 3, 2026,will be advised of their obligations and will need to pay these obligations before they receive their cap and gown.  Finance and sub-school administrative assistants will be in the gym to receive payments and textbooks/ calculators.  Once all fines have been paid, seniors will receive a ticket which will enable them to pick up their cap and gown from the counselors in the gym.

Lunch will be served after the rehearsal, and there will be a short time for seniors to socialize.  

Cap & Gown Distribution, Senior Breakfast, Rehearsal, and Graduation Walk through Elementary Schools 

Location: South Lakes High School Gymnasium

Date:  Thursday, June 4, 2026

Time:  8:15 a.m.

All graduating students will be required to wear the issued cap and gown and must conform to the dress code expectations, which are fully explained below under  Graduation Attire . Cap and gown distribution will be on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, so students will have caps and gowns to wear on the elementary school Graduation Walk.  Caps and gowns will not be distributed early. 

A grab-and-go breakfast will be served, followed by the graduation rehearsal.  The Elementary School visits will occur after rehearsal is complete.  Buses will depart at approximately 10:30 a.m.  Upon return, seniors will gather for the Graduation Walk through the halls of South Lakes High School.

Location: Theater

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026 

Time: 6:00 p.m.  

The Senior Awards Program will take place on May 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the South Lakes High School Theatre. 

Recognitions will include the following: 
• Department Awards
• Executive Council and other SGA Leadership
• IB Diploma and IB Career-related Program Candidates

Invitations will be sent to the families of students who will be recognized.

Location: EagleBank Arena, George Mason University

Date:  Friday, June 5, 2026

Time:  9:00 a.m.

Doors Open at 8:00 a.m.

The administration, faculty, and staff of South Lakes High School extend to the graduating class of 2026 our best wishes for a distinguished commencement ceremony, a safe and enjoyable summer, and a successful future.  The graduation ceremony is a formal recognition of your years of successful academic work.  Graduation is an occasion for joy, dignity, and reflection.  South Lakes High School administration, faculty, staff, and student leaders have made every effort to ensure that your commencement ceremony is worthy of your accomplishment.  You are expected to do your part to make the 2026 South Lakes High School commencement ceremony one of which we may all be proud.

After the ceremony, please plan to meet your graduate outside of the Eagle Bank Arena near the South entrance ( tip: arrange a specific meeting place as it is very crowded after the ceremony, and students will not have cell phones ).

Graduation Tickets

Since the Eagle Bank Arena seats approximately 10,000 people, no tickets are needed for graduation.  

Location/Line-Up

All students will be required to pass through OPENGATE Weapons Detection System prior to entry at the loading dock for entrance into the arena.   Students should report to the loading dock line-up area no earlier than 7:30 am.  Students must be on time for graduation! Students  should bring only their car key and cap and gown.  To ensure that the ceremony starts on time and goes smoothly, please listen to instructions carefully and cooperate cheerfully! 

Graduation Attire

All Seniors will wear the school-issued same color gowns for the graduation ceremony.  Graduation caps may be tastefully decorated.  The overall height of the cap may not be increased due to decorative objects.  Only school-provided and nationally recognized honor society cords and stoles are appropriate.  Seniors are expected to arrive at graduation appropriately dressed for the occasion and carrying their caps and gowns.  Young women should wear dress shoes, dresses, skirts, or slacks that are not excessively full or long.  Young men should wear dress shoes, dress shirts, ties, dress pants, or khakis.  No sunglasses, flip-flops, sandals, athletic footwear, or sneakers are to be worn.  No one is to wear jeans or shorts.  Casual attire is for the All-Night Graduation Party, not for the ceremony. 

Graduation Cap Decorations

If students choose to decorate their graduation caps, keep in mind that only the flat, top area of the mortar board may be decorated.  There may be nothing hanging down from any sides of the cap.

Decorations/designs cannot:

• Contain any advertisement, symbols, abbreviations, initials, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that refer to drugs or controlled substances, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons, or are of a sexual nature
• Denote an affiliation with gangs or those who advocate drug use, violence, illegal activity, or disruptive behavior that is detrimental to the safety and welfare of other students
• Be obscene, profane, vulgar or lewd
• Include numbers other than the graduation year
• Threaten the safety and welfare of any person
• Make noise (no bells, horns, or anything that makes noise)
• Be politically or socially harmful to others

Decorations / Designs can include:

• A thank you message to a family member, teacher, friend, etc.
• An inspirational quote
• Representation of Flag / Country
• Branding from the post-secondary institution they will be attending
• Graduation year
• Branch of the military they will be joining
• Symbol demonstrating future career choice

Failure to adhere to the above guidelines will result in wearing a plain cap at the graduation ceremony.

Security

After graduates have reported to the arena’s loading dock, they will proceed through  OPENGATE Weapons Detection System and inspection stations to be checked for inappropriate items. Graduates will enter with their gowns over their arms and carrying their caps. Do not chew gum or eat candy. Do not bring purses, cameras, cell phones, or any valuable items since secured storage is not provided.A car key will be the only item you can bring into the Eagle Bank Arena. 

Please note George Mason University and Eagle Bank Arena have OPENGATE Weapons Detection System and a clear bag policy for all events. More information can be found here: https://www.eaglebankarena.com/plan-your-visit/arena-policies
Appropriate behavior is expected by all participants and guests before, during and after the ceremony. Inappropriate behavior or possession of any inappropriate items (i.e. beach balls, balloons, horns etc.) by participants or guests detracts from the ceremony honoring our seniors. Seniors may be removed from the graduation ceremony by South Lakes High School or 
Arena personnel. 

General Information 

Photos:  Victor O’Neill Studios will be present on Graduation day to take photos of our graduates receiving their diploma from Mr. Seward. Please scan the QR code using your phone to sign up for photo notifications before your event.  You can also visit the link below before your event. 

Once photos are online after Graduation Day, you will receive a notification to view and order.

If you have any questions about Graduation Day photos, please contact Victor O’Neill customer service directly:  @email .

Guests must remain in their seats during the graduation ceremony. Those who wish to take close-up pictures should use a telephoto lens. 

Accessible Seating

Eagle Bank Arena provides ample accessible seating for patrons in wheelchairs as well as those who may have difficulty with steps.  Approximately 400 accessible seats are reserved via signage for each graduation.  Eagle Bank Arena has a wheelchair that can be used to assist guests from one location to another, but it must be returned after each use rather than kept for the duration of the event.  The main entries are wheelchair accessible; there are no steps or elevators to negotiate.  Accessible parking is available outside the South Entry, and a drop-off area is available at the West Entry.

Location: South Lakes High School

Date: Friday, June 5, 2026

Price: $80 until April 8, $90 April 9-June 3, and $100 at the door*

Time:  9:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

The All-Night Grad Party (ANGP) is a chaperoned, alcohol-free, and drug-free celebration held at South Lakes High School the evening of graduation. This event is sponsored by the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) to give graduating seniors an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with their classmates in a safe and entertaining environment. The South Lakes High School ANGP is made possible by the generous support of local businesses, parents, and many volunteers who value the achievements of our graduates and care deeply about their safety. It takes a community to put on an ANGP,  and we invite parents/guardians from ALL grade levels to get involved in the planning and/or volunteer at the event. Consider being part of this long-standing tradition by contacting [email protected] or signing up to volunteer  here .

To register your senior for the ANGP,  click here .  Discounted advanced party registrations must be received by 11:59 p.m. on  June 3.  We will not be issuing paper tickets. If you have any questions, you may contact [email protected] . 

*Please Note: If your student is eligible for free and reduced meals, we have financial assistance available. Details are on the order form. Financial assistance at the door will be limited. For the best price, order online by June 3.

Personalized lawn sign orders closed on April 23rd. 

Q. Where can I find and pay the senior dues?

A. My School Bucks- under Class of 2026 or by cash or check in the Senior Sub-School.

Q. When will students pick up their caps and gowns?

A. Counselors will hand them out on Thursday, June 4th during rehearsal, if all dues are paid in full.

Q. Are tickets required for graduation? Is there handicapped accessible seating?

A. No tickets are required, and handicapped seating is first come, first served.

Q. What time do the doors open for Graduation?

A. 8:00am.

Q. Will Graduation be livestreamed? 

A. Yes. Direct family and friends to this link: https://www.memoriesvideography.com/grad/south-lakes-hs/ . It can also be found on SLHS's homepage. The livestream will start at 8:50am.

Q. Where can I find out info about lawn signs and ANGP?

A. [email protected] and [email protected]

Q. Is there a printable version of all of this information? 

A. Yes. Here is the Class of 2026 Senior Packet.