High school graduation season is starting in Wake. What to know before you go
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Wake County will hold 36 high school graduations between now and June 16.
- Most ceremonies will be held in June at the Raleigh Convention Center or Meymandi Hall.
- Attendees face road closures and downtown festivals, so arrive early for seating.
Graduation season kicks off this week in the Wake County school system.
There will be 36 Wake County high school graduations between Thursday and June 16 in North Carolina’s largest school system. Most of the graduations will happen in June and be held in downtown Raleigh.
Here are some things to know.
Why some graduations are in May
Several Wake County high schools whose school years end in May will hold graduations this month. This includes schools that are partnered with colleges and universities, modified-calendar schools like Southeast Raleigh High and schools that have calendar flexibility like Knightdale High.
Most Wake high schools follow the traditional calendar. Their graduations won’t take place until or after the final day of classes on June 11.
Downtown Raleigh traffic issues
Most of the graduations will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center or at Meymandi Hall. This puts the graduation ceremonies right around construction projects and road closures.
Some road closures to be aware of:
- South Street between McDowell and Dawson streets.
- Partial lane closure at the corner of South and Salisbury streets for utility work.
There will also be downtown Raleigh festivals that can add to traffic including Animazement from May 22 to May 24.
The district is urging people to give themselves ample time to anticipate traffic congestion, parking issues, walking to the venue, and finding a seat. Wake wants people to be seated 15 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony.
Tips for graduation attendees
Wake has a list of tips for the thousands of graduates and their guests who will attend the ceremonies.
- Plan ahead: Students must be in place at least one hour before the ceremony starts. Allow significant time for traffic and parking.
- Carpool: Share a ride from home or school and save on gas and parking.
- Practice patience and watch for the thousands of pedestrians who will be attending the ceremonies.
Items you can’t bring to the ceremony
Some of the items not allowed at the Raleigh Convention Center and Meymandi Hall include glass containers and vases, signs, balloons, noisemakers, wrapped presents and packages, outside food and beverages, weapons and large bags (backpacks, purses, camera bags, etc.).
Clear bags are encouraged but not required. Attendees at Meymandi Hall can’t bring bags larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 10 inches.
Taking photos at the graduation ceremonies
There is a designated photo area to the left of the stage at the Raleigh Convention Center. Guests must remain seated at Meymandi Hall.
Watching the graduations online
Wake is streaming the graduation ceremonies online for people who don’t have a ticket to attend in-person. Go to https://tinyurl.com/39xba5ha for a YouTube link for each ceremony.
Wake County Graduation Schedule
Thursday, May 21
- Vernon Malone College and Career Academy, Meymandi Hall, 8 a.m.
- Wake Early College of Health and Science, Meymandi Hall, 12 p.m.
- Wake Early College of Information & Biotechnologies, Meymandi Hall, 4 p.m.
- Knightdale High School, Reynolds Coliseum, 7 p.m.
Friday, May 22
- Wake Young Men’s and Women’s Leadership Academies, Meymandi Hall, 8 a.m.
- Wake STEM Early College, Meymandi Hall, 12 p.m.
- North Wake College and Career Academy, Meymandi Hall, 4 p.m.
- Southeast Raleigh High School, Reynolds Coliseum, 7 p.m.
Monday, June 8
- Project SEARCH, Embassy Suites Cary, 2 p.m.
Thursday, June 11
- Enloe High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 a.m.
- Broughton High School, Holliday Gym, 10 a.m.
- Garner High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 12 p.m.
- Millbrook High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 4 p.m.
- Apex Friendship High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 p.m.
Friday, June 12
- Rolesville High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 a.m.
- Phillips High School, Meymandi Hall, 10 a.m.
- Green Hope High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 12 p.m.
- Crossroads FLEX High School, Meymandi Hall, 2 p.m.
- Leesville Road High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 4 p.m.
- SCORE Academy, Memorial Auditorium, 6 p.m.
- Willow Spring High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 13
- Wakefield High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 a.m.
- East Wake High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 12 p.m.
- Middle Creek High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 4 p.m.
- Holly Springs High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 14
- Cary High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 2 p.m.
- Green Level High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 6 p.m.
Monday, June 15
- South Garner High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 a.m.
- Longview School, Longview School, 10 a.m.
- Heritage High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 12 p.m.
- Wake Forest High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 4 p.m.
- Sanderson High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16
- Apex High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 a.m.
- Fuquay-Varina High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 12 p.m.
- Panther Creek High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 4 p.m.
- Athens Drive High School, Raleigh Convention Center, 8 p.m.
Go to wcpss.net/academics/high-school/graduation for more information on Wake County high school graduations.
