The Class of 2026 at Patriot Academy (PA) and Allen County-Scottsville High School (AC-SHS) will receive their diplomas on Friday, May 15 at the high school, marking the end of a 13-year educational journey. The Patriot Academy graduation is at 5 p.m. in the high school auditorium while the AC-SHS graduation starts at 6 p.m. in Patriot Gym.
The Patriot Academy graduation will be a short, straightforward ceremony designed specifically for students completing coursework at Patriot Academy.
“Patriot Academy graduates are to arrive by 3:45 to the Allen County Career and Tech Center (ACCTC) office,” explained PA principal Rhetta Roy. “We will rehearse from 4-4:25. All of the guests will enter at the main entrance at ACCTC and doors will open at 4:30. The ceremony starts at 5. Afterwards, guests who wish to attend the AC-SHS graduation at 6 can then join the lines outside for entrance to that ceremony.”
High School officials say their graduates need to arrive by 5 p.m. and enter through the outside entrance of the cafeteria. Senior class advisor Maegan Renick reminds seniors of special guidelines for entry.
“The graduates must carry in their cap and gown; please don't wear it, this is for safety reasons.” Renick noted. “Students will not be permitted to leave the cafeteria once they enter. No parents/guardians/guests are permitted in the cafeteria. No outside drinks---unless it is an unopened bottle of water---may be brought in with students.”
Unlike Class Night, no passes will be distributed. Seating is on a first arrival basis. All entry doors, primary doors 25 and Door 33, open at 5:30 for the 6:00 p.m. ceremony. Persons needing special seating assistance can come to the ACCTC doors with their doors opening at 5:30 as well.
The graduation ceremony begins at 6 p.m. as graduates walk in two-by-two as Pomp and Circumstance is played by the AC-SHS Concert Band. Traditionally, the audience rises in honor of the graduates and remains standing until everyone is seated. Honor Graduates and military enlistees will be recognized. The announcement of the Class of 2026 salutatorian and valedictorian will be made, with each giving a short address. Seniors will be presented with their diplomas. after which a short “From the Heart” message is delivered. Guests are asked to remain seated until AC-SHS principal Shane Humphrey dismisses the graduates to close the program.
For anyone unable to attend, the AC-SHS graduation will be videoed by John Buchanon and shared on the ACS YouTube page.