Date: May 23, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Sharp Stadium
Gates & Tickets:
- Eastside graduates should join the Graduation Remind for EHS by texting @ehsgrad25 to 81010
- Each graduate will receive seven (7) tickets.
- Every guest, from infant to grown adult, must have a ticket to enter.
• Tickets will be distributed on Friday, May 16: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Graduates cannot pick up tickets for other graduates, and all fines & technology holds must be cleared in order to obtain tickets.
- Guests for graduates with last names beginning A-P will enter through the HOME gate.
- Guests for graduates with last names beginning Q-Z will enter through the VISITOR gate.
- 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:
- Male graduates- collared shirt with shorts (no gym shorts) or pants. No flip flops.
- Female graduates – dresses, nice top with shorts, pants, or a skirt.
- Do not alter or decorate caps or gowns with messages or decorative paraphernalia.
- No purses permitted on the field.
- Only cords and stoles issued by Eastside High School are acceptable to wear. You are not permitted to wear anything homemade.
- Seek approval for items issued by military recruiters.
- 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. Name cards should not be written on, folded, or altered in any way.
- There will be a place for you to pause and hold your diploma for a photo. Stay tuned for a Remind announcement for that exact location.
- Graduates will then exit the stage, return to their seats, and remain seated until the turning of the tassel (from right to left).
- 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 Eastside High School on Tuesday, May 27, between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Inclement Weather:
We will notify you via Remind 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.