
Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Sharp Stadium
Gates & Tickets:
- Each graduate will receive five (5) tickets.
- Every guest, from infant to grown adult, must have a ticket to enter.
- Tickets will be distributed on Tuesday, May 20, between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM in the Commons Area. You cannot obtain tickets until all fines are paid; this includes Senior Dues. You may not have someone else pick up your tickets.
- Guests for graduates with last names beginning with A-R should sit on the HOME side.
- Guests for graduates with last names beginning with S-Z should sit on the VISITOR side.
- All graduates must arrive between 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. No entry allowed before 6:30 PM. Graduates must be signed in by 7:30 PM. Note: For security purposes, all graduates are subject to a security screening upon entry.
Bag Policy & Banned Items:
- Only clear bags will be allowed in the stadium.
- Guests and graduates are prohibited from bringing noisemakers, outside food/drinks, balloons, signs, and any other items that may cause a disruption to the ceremony or impede the view of others.
- Personal drones are strictly prohibited at Sharp Stadium.
Dress Code:
- Business casual (dress pants or khakis, khaki shorts, button-up/collared shirt for males, and dresses, dress pants or skirts, and blouse for females. Jeans and T-shirts are not permitted.
- Do not alter or decorate caps or gowns.
- Only cords and stoles issued by Newton High School are acceptable to wear. You may not wear medals or medallions.
- Heel wearing graduates should opt for a block heel or wedge. No stiletto heels allowed on the stadium turf.
Ceremony:
- Commencement ceremony will begin promptly at 8:00 PM
- After the superintendent’s address, student names will be called. All graduates should remember to bring their name cards with them to the stage.
- A pyrotechnics display will begin during the turning of the tassel.
- The graduation ceremony will be live-streamed on Newton County Schools’ YouTube channel.
Following the Ceremony:
- No guests are permitted in the field.
- Please exit the stadium in a timely manner.
- Diploma covers will be administered at graduation.
- Diplomas should be picked up at Newton High School on May 27 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
Inclement Weather:
We will notify you via School Messenger of any weather delays and a backup date if needed.
Handicap Accessibility:
- Handicapped-accessible parking and seating will be located on the visitors’ side and will be first-come first served. The handicapped guest and one family member will be allowed to sit together.
Parking and Shuttle Service Information:
- Limited parking is available at the stadium on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Free Off-Site Parking with Shuttle Service to Sharp Stadium at the following locations:
- Newton County Public Parking Deck (1166 Elm Street)
- Legion Field (3173 Mill Street NE)
- Shuttle Information:
- Shuttles will begin operating at 6:15 PM.
- Shuttles will pick up guests at designated off-site parking locations and drop them off at Sharp Stadium.
- Following the ceremony, shuttles will be available to transport guests back to their vehicles.
- Additional Parking Options:
- Former Sharp Learning Center Parking Area. (no shuttle service)
- Board of Education building parking lots. (no shuttle service)
- Early Arrival Recommended: please arrive early to allow ample time for parking and to make way into the stadium.