(by Don Meador)
Prom dresses have been purchased. Tuxedos and formal wear obtained. Limousines are reserved. Next week, senior advisors at Allen County-Scottsville High School will start transforming Patriot Gym from a basketball gym to a formal event venue. All of this in preparation for AC-SH’s unique and tradition-rich Class Night---slated for Saturday, April 25.
Dating back approximately 100 years, Class Night is a tradition in the Scottsville and Allen County community---a local happening unlike any other in southcentral Kentucky. It’s a night when high school seniors are formally introduced to the community---before the students enjoy the annual junior-senior prom.
Class Night is the first graduation exercise for the Class of 2026. For participants, it's a time to don their prom attire and walk out to a gym filled with family, friends, teachers, classmates, and supporters from the local community. The couples are introduced with small details shared---such as the names of their parents/guardians and their future plans.
Once introductions are made, members of the class present musical selections while class officers share remarks and class memories. AC-SH administration will also recognize special award recipients during the ceremony. Class Night concludes with the Class of 2026 given special moments with one another---a time when the audience is asked to stay in their seats to allow the seniors a special few minutes for hugs, embraces, and life-making memories. .
With Class Night forthcoming, senior class sponsor Maegan Renick reminds the class and the community of key details to assure the event runs smoothly.
“Seniors need to report to the high school no later than 3:45 P.M. and the program will begin promptly at 5:00 PM.”, Renick noted, adding that additional details will be given during Class Night practice.
The Class Night start time of 5 p.m. represents a change from the 5:30 p.m. for past Class Nights. This change allows more time for the seniors to prepare for the forthcoming prom, a meal, and for Up All Night for the seniors choosing to attend the after-prom event.
Class Night typically attracts large numbers to Patriot Gym. Plans are in place to assure an orderly entrance into the gym.
“Each senior will receive four passes for their immediate family,” Renick explained. “If additional accommodations are needed, seniors may request up to two additional passes for the elderly/infirmed entrance. These passes are intended for one individual needing assistance and one accompanying helper. A request form will be shared with seniors for this purpose.”
The pass gate will be located at the student-driver entrance (Door 25), located in the rear of the school near the cafeteria. This gate will open at 4:30. These passes are handed out during Class Night practice on Friday. Please note, the passes for the seniors are designed to give seniors the opportunity to see that their immediate family members have preferred seating. The passes are not sold but handed out to seniors only.
As in the recent past, seniors walk out from the wall end zone in Patriot Gym---the red wall with the school logo. Each couple walks to the center of the floor, pausing briefly for a picture, and then turning to either the home side of the gym or the visitor side of the gym. After walking to a designated spot for a brief pause, the couple then walk to their assigned seats on the floor. For individuals unfamiliar with Patriot Gym, the home side of the gym is the side with the upper arena chairback seats---on the side of the school across from Patriot Academy.
The passes indicate which side of the gym their student will face and be seated. However, parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to verify with their student which side he/she will face prior to being seated.
If a senior walking out has a relative who needs special accommodations, the senior may request additional passes for them. The pass will allow for early entry and floor seating in as much as possible. School officials will direct persons to a seat location.
“If additional accommodations are needed, seniors may request up to two (2) additional passes for the elderly/infirm entrance,” Renick added. “These passes are intended for one individual needing assistance and one accompanying helper. A request form will be shared with seniors for this purpose. The elderly/infirm entrance is at the entrance for the Tech Center and will open at approximately 4:20 PM. This entrance is reserved for individuals needing assistance and requires a pass.”
For anyone else coming to Class Night, doors open at 4:45.
The Class of 2026 Class Night decor will include the class motto/quote which is from the Bible---“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for peace and not for evil, to give you hope and a future.” — in Jeremiah 29:11. The Class song is Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield and will be played softly in the background as the class is introduced. The Class colors are navy, lavender, royal purple, and gold and the class flower is the hydrangea.
(file photo from Class Night 2025)