Class of 2025
Graduation Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Time: 7 pm
Location: The Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr, Columbus, OH 43210
HONORS DIPLOMA
Attention Seniors – there is a NEW process to receive the Honors Diploma this year. Since there are new options/requirements (the “old” requirements are still an option) for the Class of 2025, our district has created an application for the Honors Diploma.
In order to receive the Honors Diploma in May, you must submit an application. It will then be reviewed and your School Counselor will connect with you next semester.
Deadline to submit your application is Friday, January 24th!
Cap and Gown Ordering
The bad news is time flies! The good news is there is still time to order for graduation.
Seniors and Parents, If you have already ordered your cap, gown, & tassel unit for graduation, we thank you for your prompt action. If you still need graduation party accessories like, custom school announcements, senior photo party cards (similar to shutterfly) or any senior apparel gifts for your graduate please click below to place a new order with Jostens.
HELP….I still need to order my cap, gown & tassel unit for graduation. Don’t panic, you still have time to catch up with the group order. Click link below to complete your purchase by January 31st to catch up with your classmates. Package ordering and a la carte ordering is available with the link below. For a la carte ordering after clicking link scroll down on Jostens website to locate individual items including the cap, gown & tassel unit.
*Attention Tolles Seniors* – All Tolles seniors should place their cap & gown order under Hilliard Darby High School with the link below. Tolles seniors will wear their Hilliard Darby cap, gown, & tassel unit at Tolles ceremony.
Senior Portrait Yearbook Deadline – December 12, 2024
For more information on photo requirements and how to submit photos visit the Yearbook webpage.
We will have a FREE senior photo sitting with HR Imaging in room 240 during 3rd & 4th periods (9:30-11:30) on January 24, 2025. This is only for the senior portrait section of the yearbook, and is available to any Class of 2025 Darby senior who does not have a portrait. We want to include you!
Please email Ms. Stewart if you are interested in the free sitting and we will put you on the list for that day!
Senior Wish Ad in 2024-2025 Yearbook
Congratulate your senior in the 24-25 yearbook! Wish Ads for the Class of 2025 are now available for purchase. Everything you need to purchase a Wish Ad is available in the Yearbook Canvas Corner and on the yearbook webpage.
Deadline for Obligations
Due Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Seniors are expected to turn in ipads, keycards, textbooks, pay all fees, clean out lockers and take care of any unfinished business by the conclusion of this day. The main office can only take payments via cash, check (payable to HCSD) or money order. No credit/debit cards are accepted. All obligations must be cleared or a senior may not receive his/her diploma. Students with outstanding fees are permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony, but may not receive their actual diploma until all fees are paid.
Hilliard City Schools offers parents the ability to pay their fees online. Sign up now at www.mypaymentsplus.com. Parents who have a meal pay lunch account are automatically signed up to pay online fees. NOTE: It can take up to 2 weeks for us to be notified of payments made via MyPaymentsPlus.
Checks are accepted in the main office. They can also be mailed. They should be made payable to Hilliard City School District or HCSD. If mailing the address is:
Hilliard Darby High School
Attn: Brenda Ribble
4200 Leppert Rd.
Hilliard, OH 43026
Cash is also accepted in the main office.
We CANNOT process a credit card payment in the main office. Credit card payments must be made via MyPaymentsPlus.
Graduation Practice
Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Hilliard Darby High School Main Gym & Field House
This practice is MANDATORY for students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony, and we will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.
A seating chart will be posted to Canvas on Wednesday, May 21st. Please know your seat assignment when you arrive for practice!
The PTO will host a senior luncheon beginning at 11:00 a.m. outside the field house doors.
Graduation Day
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. (Seniors will report to the Schottenstein Center)
Time: 7:00 p.m. (Ceremony begins)
Location: The Value City Arena/Jerome Schottenstein Center
Dress Requirements: See guidelines below
NO tickets are required. There is unlimited seating for families and guests. Handicapped parking and seating are available. Maps will be provided during graduation practice.
A limited number of discounted parking passes will be available on a first come basis in the main office in May. They will be $3 in advance. If you pay at the Schott it will be $10 CARD ONLY – NO CASH!
We encourage every graduate to participate in this special ceremony. Although participation in the commencement ceremony is optional, we encourage all members of the Class of 2024 to join us on this, their special day!
Students who choose to participate are expected to observe the following guidelines:
- Students must wear the approved cap, gown, and tassel during the ceremony.—NO DECORATED CAPS OR SOUVENIR TASSELS!
Students must wear the following clothing under the gown:
Men: dress shirt and tie, dress slacks, dress shoes and socks
Women: dress or pants and dress top or blouse and dress shoes (flats or low heels recommended)—NO FLIP FLOPS!!!
Each senior is responsible for his/her own keys and personal items. We will not be able to store them during the ceremony. Small crossbody bags or fanny packs are permitted underneath gowns.
Students are not permitted to have anything in their hands during the ceremony. This includes phones, water bottles, purses, keys, etc.
Only pre-approved stoles and cords are permitted to be worn.
Nationality stoles are not permitted during the ceremony. Graduates are encouraged to wear these for photos with family and friends before or after the ceremony. DO NOT BRING THEM DOWN INTO THE SCHOTTENSTEIN CENTER WHEN YOU REPORT! You will be asked to remove them and you will not be able to retrieve them until after Memorial Day in the Darby main office. LEAVE THEM WITH YOUR PARENTS DURING THE CEREMONY!
PLEASE READ THIS Family Guide to Graduation at the Schottenstein Center May 24
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are tickets required for graduation?
- No tickets are required. Students can have an unlimited number of guests attend.
- When are caps, gowns and announcements ordered?
- A representative from Jostens will speak with seniors on in September about ordering caps, gowns and announcements. A packet will be distributed to all seniors on that day. The rep will return to collect orders during lunch periods a week or two later. Should you miss this ordering opportunity, you can order online at https://www.jostens.com/.
- Does it cost to park?
- Yes. However, each graduate will receive one free parking pass in the packet they get during graduation practice. Additional discounted pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase at school in the weeks leading up to graduation. Watch the daily announcements and Friday eNews to see when these become available.
- My student attends Tolles. Does my student still participate in Darby’s graduation?
- Tolles students are welcome to participate in Hilliard Darby’s graduation and/or the Tolles graduation. Tolles parents should be sure to check this page frequently and the Friday eNews emails to stay up to date on information they need to know. We also send information to Tolles for them to post on their announcements.
- My student goes by an alternative name. Can that name be on the diploma?
- No, we are required to print a student’s legal name on their diploma. We use the name that is on a student’s birth certificate, passport or legal name change documentation.
- However, an alternative name may be listed in the program and announced at graduation. Watch for an opportunity to provide this information. Diplomas are ordered in January.
