Western Branch High School’s Class of 2026 will graduate on Tuesday, June 16th, at 7:30 p.m. at Chartway Arena on the campus of Old Dominion University. The following information will help seniors and their families plan for this special event.
REHEARSAL
In order to participate in graduation, seniors must attend both of the mandatory graduation rehearsals. The first one is Friday, June 12, 9 - 11:00. And then on Monday, June 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Western Branch High School. While both rehearsals are mandatory we understand personal or family
related issues arise. If a graduate cannot attend, please contact Mrs. Riddick (conswela.riddick@cpschools.com) or Mrs. Muncie (jeanette.muncie@cpschools.com) immediately.. Please arrive at 8:00 a.m. for the senior breakfast prior to the graduation rehearsal. Rehearsal will begin promptly following the breakfast.
Jostens representatives will be present at graduation for any last minute purchasing of honors regalia or senior items. As a reminder, the honor stole is $18 cash only, gold honor tassel is $10 cash only, and an extra/lost tassel is $10 cash only.
GRADUATION TICKETS
You are receiving 10 tickets, plus up to 5 additional (if requested via the Google Form). All guests MUST have a ticket to enter the arena. Tickets will be barcoded to prevent duplication. A map of the arena and parking is included with the tickets.
GRADUATION DAY PHOTOS
Guests are allowed to take pictures or videos from their seats. Please remain seated during the entire ceremony. Photography/videography from the aisles will not be permitted. Guests are not allowed to come to the stage area or the graduation seating area to take photos or videos.
GRADUATION DAY TUESDAY 6/16 @ 7:30 p.m.
Graduates are expected to arrive no later than 6:15 p.m. Only graduates and school staff will be allowed through the 43rd Street entrance. Tables and containers will be available at the entrance for students to place keys in as they enter. Cell phones should be left with a guest or in vehicles. All guests will enter through the Hampton Boulevard entrances. Doors will open for guests one hour prior to the ceremony. Guests requiring ADA seating or elevators should enter through the 45th Street entrance.
ATTIRE
Appropriate attire must be worn by all graduates. Appropriate attire includes shoes, trousers, collared shirts, neckties, dresses, skirts, or blouses. Please dress according to the importance and formality of this event. No flip flops or shorts.
Graduates should adhere to the following:
Arrive dressed properly - no additions to cap/gown
No cell phones, purses, etc. (will be collected at door)
No chewing gum
No gift bags, boxes, cameras, flowers, noisemakers, balloons or signs
CAPS AND GOWNS
Please see Mrs. Muncie immediately if there is a problem with the cap or gown. As a reminder, Jostens will be present during graduation practice on June 16th to purchase honors regalia, etc. Counselors will be available on June 12 to let you know if your final GPA qualifies you as an Honor graduate.
BEHAVIOR
Graduation is a formal ceremony, and as such, behavior must be in line with the dignity of the occasion. Parents, please show your support by discussing with your graduate the importance of proper dress and proper behavior and by setting an example through your own proper dress and behavior.
SCHOOL ISSUED DEVICES AND TEXTBOOKS
All school issued chromebooks, chargers, laptop bags, hotspots, library books, ID badges and textbooks must be returned no later than June 10th. Outstanding debts owed to WBHS must be paid by June 10. Failure to do so may result in a delay in receiving tickets and your diploma.
FINAL GRADES
Prior to graduation, all seniors should log into Parchment and request a FINAL TRANSCRIPT to be sent to their college, apprenticeship, place of employment, etc. If you have any questions, please call your school counselor.
Parchment will consider you an “Alumni” beginning on
August 1st and will begin charging a fee to send your transcripts at that time. Be sure to send your final transcripts prior to August 1, 2026.
Detailed instructions will be included in the envelope with your diploma.
Information for Guests of Graduates
ADMISSION
Each guest must have a ticket to enter Chartway Arena for the graduation ceremony. All tickets are barcoded and cannot be duplicated. All guests will enter through the Hampton Boulevard entrances. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Only clear bags will be allowed in the arena.
ATTIRE
Appropriate attire for guests attending the graduation is requested. Appropriate dress includes dress pants and shirts for the gentlemen; dresses, suits or pantsuits for the ladies. Admission will be denied to graduation guests who are inappropriately dressed.
CONCLUSION OF CEREMONY
Graduates will recess first; guests should remain standing at seats until graduates have recessed from the floor of the arena. Please exit the arena as directed by the ushers.
GRADUATION LIVE STREAM
The graduation will be live streamed and the recording will be posted on various social media sites. The live stream link along with other information can be found at www.cpschools.com/graduation.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Graduates with special needs should contact Mrs. Muncie(jeanette.muncie@cpschools.com) to discuss any accommodations. They should also contact Mrs. Muncie if a sign language interpreter is needed for guests. There is special seating.
ITEMS PROHIBITED IN CHARTWAY ARENA
Large totes, backpacks, diaper bags, or purses**
Coolers, bottles, cans, or containers (unopened bottled water will be allowed)
Alcoholic beverages
Outside food
Horns, whistles, noisemakers, or banners
Illegal substances
Weapons, laser pointers, fireworks, or other threatening items
Helium balloons or balloon bouquets
Signage or posters
Wrapped gifts
PARKING OPTIONS FOR THE CHARTWAY ARENA
Parking garages are located at the 43rd Street Constant Center Garage, the 45th Street Chartway Arena Garage, and the 43rd & Elkhorn Ave. parking garage. The handicap entrance to the arena is on 45th Street.
PARKING DIRECTIONS
Northbound:
Route 1 - Traveling northbound on Hampton Blvd., turn right on 41st Street, then turn left into the Chartway Arena parking garage.
Route 2 - Traveling southbound on Hampton Blvd., turn left on 43rd Street, then turn into the parking garage located on the corner of 43rd Street and Elkhorn Ave.
Southbound:
Route 1 - Traveling southbound on Hampton Blvd., turn left on 47st Street, then turn right on Monarch Way. When you arrive at 43rd Street, turn right and then turn into the Chartway Arena parking garage.
Route 2 — Traveling southbound on Hampton Blvd., turn right on 49th Street, then turn left on Elkhorn Ave. Park in the parking garage located on the corner of 43rd Street and Elkhorn Ave.
Please click here to see more Graduation News, parking maps, and a map of the arena.