Senior Information

SENIOR INFORMATION FOR THE HILLIARD DAVIDSON HS CLASS OF 2026 

Dear Families of the Class of 2026,

It is hard to believe that we are already planning for the Class of 2026 to graduate! Perhaps the most exciting of all the year-end activities is the process leading up to and including graduation day.  The planning of these activities has already started, and the purpose of this letter is to share with you the details of these events.  This is a memorable time in a senior’s life, and it is equally special for the families who have supported them every step of the way.  We want to make sure that you are included in the celebration!

During the weeks ahead, there will be many opportunities to participate in senior activities.  These activities are being planned to provide time to reflect and celebrate.  We do expect seniors to take personal responsibility for their actions and adhere to school policies and procedures up to and through graduation day.  Your assistance in helping your son/daughter meet timelines will be greatly appreciated.  We look forward to making this a special time for seniors, staff, and families.

We congratulate you, the families of the Class of 2026, and thank you for your guidance during the past several years.  We continue to ask for your support and encouragement as we look toward commencement on Friday, May 22nd, at The Value City Arena/Jerome Schottenstein Center.

If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Clausen, Assistant Principal. We look forward to an exciting journey together.

Best Wishes,

William K. Ragland, II Principal

Kristen Clausen Assistant Principal

Angie Rader Class Advisor

 

IMPORTANT DATES & ACTIVITIES
Jan 26	Senior Class Meeting	9:30 a.m.	Performing Arts Center
February 13-16	NO SCHOOL
Feb 25	Senior Summa Cum Laude Breakfast	8:00 a.m.	Makoy Center
March 4	SAT- Juniors Only-Digital Day	7:40 a.m.	Various Classrooms
March 13	End of third quarter
March 20	NO SCHOOL
March 24	Senior Academic & Department Awards	8:00 a.m.	Performing Arts Center
March 30 – Apr 3	NO SCHOOL- Spring Break
April 13	Senior Class Meeting	9:25 a.m.	Performing Arts Center
April 13	Senior Class Panoramic Photo	10:05 a.m.	Main Gym
April 13	Cap & Gown distribution	10:10-11:00 a.m.	Main Gym
April 14-15	OST ELA 2- part 1 and part 2	7:40 a.m.	Various Classrooms
April 15	Athletic Signing Day	1:00 p.m.	Main Gym
April 15	Name Pronunciation Recording due		Class of 2026 Canvas page
April 17	Senior Scholarships/Senior Academic Signing	8:00 a.m.	Performing Arts Center
April 21	OST US History/Government	7:40 a.m.	Various Classrooms
April 22	OST Biology	7:40 a.m.	Various Classrooms
April 24	Military Signing	1:00 p.m.	Performing Arts Center
April 25	Junior/Senior Prom	7:30-10:30 p.m.	The Exchange at Bridge Park
April 25	After Prom	11:00 p.m.-1:30 a.m.	Dave & Buster’s (Mill Run)
April 28-29	OST Algebra 1/Geometry	7:40 a.m.	Various Classrooms
May 4-15	AP Testing	Various	Field HouseWrestling Room/MC
May 5	NO SCHOOL
May 11-14	Senior iPad Collection		Media Center
May 15	Senior Sunset	TBD	HDV Stadium
May 15	Senior Choir Robing	TBD	Performing Arts Center
May 15	Senior financial obligations due!
May 15	Seniors Last Day of School
May 19	Elementary Clap Outs	Times vary	Locations vary
May 18-22	Make up AP Testing	Various	Wrestling Room/MC
May 21	Senior Bike to School	7:30 a.m.	St. Brendan’s Parking Lot
May 21	Senior Breakfast/Graduation Practice (MANDATORY)	8:45 a.m.	Fieldhouse/Main Gym
May 22	GRADUATION!	7:00 p.m.	The Value City Arena/Jerome Schottenstein Center
ALL OUTSTANDING FEES MUST BE PAID  IN ORDER TO RECEIVE DIPLOMA AT GRADUATION!

PREPARATION FOR GRADUATION

GRADUATION CEREMONY – VERIFICATION OF PARTICIPATION

Letters were mailed to your home with a QR Code to scan and verify your correct legal name and whether or not you will be participating in the graduation ceremony.  If you have not already completed, please click the Name Verification link or SCAN the QR code (located in HDV Main Office) and submit ASAP.

NAME PRONUNCIATION RECORDING

Located in your “Class of 2026” Canvas page, you will find an assignment titled “Graduation Pronunciation Recording”. Please take a minute to complete this assignment. Recording DUE BY APRIL 15th. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS.

FINAL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST

Typically,  colleges, employers, agencies, etc. require that an official final transcript verifying graduation be sent directly from the high school.  Requests can be made  through SCHOOLINKS. You may contact Miss Fant in the Student Support Office if you would like additional transcripts ($2.00 each).

iPAD COLLECTION

Date: May 11th – May 14th

Seniors must turn in their iPads, cables, and chargers during the school day.  Students must pay any fees for damaged or missing iPads and charging accessories.  Please encourage your students to pay attention to upcoming announcements about the collection process.  

If you use an Apple ID, the students will need to know their Apple IDs and passwords prior to turning in their iPads. If you have any restriction passcodes on the devices, please remove them before turning in the devices.  If your student will be absent from May 11th through 14th, please return the devices to the Media Center before the collection days.

DEADLINE FOR OBLIGATIONS

Due Date:  Friday, May 15th, 2026

Seniors are expected to turn in iPads, keycards, textbooks, pay all fines, 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, checks or money order.  No credit/debit cards are accepted.  Students with outstanding fees are permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony, but will not receive their actual diploma until all fees are paid. 

SENIOR FAILURES

Prior to graduation our counselors will contact the parents of any senior who has failed to complete required coursework and/or testing requirements and will not graduate.  

Beginning May 25, 2026, parents and students can make appointments with a counselor to discuss future plans for graduation.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

SENIOR CLASS MEETINGS

First Meeting:

Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
Time:  9:30 a.m.
Location:  PAC

Second Meeting:

Date:  Monday, April 13, 2026
Time:  9:25 a.m.
Location:  PAC

SENIOR CLASS PHOTO

Date:  Monday, April 13, 2026
Time:  10:05 a.m.
Location:  Main Gym

CAP & GOWN DISTRIBUTION

Date:  Monday, April 13, 2026
Time:  10:10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location:  Main Gym

Caps & gowns will be distributed in the Main Gym. Any caps and gowns not distributed on April 13th will be available for pickup in the Main Office at Davidson HS during school hours. All students who participate in the graduation ceremony must wear caps and gowns. Students must order their caps, gowns, and tassels from Jostens.  If you have not already ordered a set, please call Mike Dillon at Jostens,  614-488-6480, as soon as possible.  A complete set—cap, gown and tassel—costs $_____ plus tax.   Jostens will deliver late cap and gown orders to Davidson High School at the MANDATORY Graduation Practice (May 21st) in time for graduation.

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

***Students who are being recognized will receive an invitation.***

Date: April 17, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location:  Performing Arts Center
Recommended Dress:  “Dress-up”
Purpose:  To honor those Seniors who have received a local scholarship or recognition.

ACADEMIC SIGNING

Date: April 17, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m..

Location: Performing Arts Center

Recommended Dress:  “Dress-up”
Purpose:  To honor our students who have been offered at least $5,000 per year or a total of $20,000 over 4 years in combined Scholarships and/or grants over four years for college.

It is the student’s responsibility to let us know if they qualify for this event.  Please see Mrs. Mongolier in the Student Support Office.  An invitation will be issued to those who qualify.

MILITARY SIGNING

Date: April 24, 2026
Time:  1:00 p.m.

Location:  Davidson Performing Arts Center

Purpose:  To honor our students who plan to enter the military after graduation. Parents and guests are welcome to attend.  

In order to qualify for this event, a student must have committed to join a military service branch after graduation.If you qualify, please complete the following information by TBD. Please click the link to submit your Military Ceremony Information.

JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM AND AFTER PROM

Prom        

Date:  Saturday, April 25, 2026
Theme: TBD
Time:  7:30 p.m.—10:30 p.m.
Location:  The Exchange at Bridge Park, 6520 Riverside Dr. Dublin, OH
Recommended Dress:  Formal
Ticket Cost: TBD. Parking at Bridge Park will be free. (Cost of After Prom at David & Busters is included in ticket price). 

Prom tickets must be purchased online by TBD at Local Level.

After Prom

Date:  Saturday, April 25,, 2026
Time:  11:00 p.m.—1:30 a.m.
Location:  Dave & Buster’s Mill Run
Ticket Cost: $___  if not going to Prom (CASH ONLY) –  Price includes unlimited video gaming, appetizers, sodas, and other activities.  

SENIOR SUNSET

Date: May 15, 2026
Time: TBD (depending on sunset time)
Location:  HDV outside Fieldhouse

TOLLES CERTIFICATION CEREMONY

Date: TBD.

Time: 7:00 p.m.

This certification ceremony is for all senior students who complete their program at Tolles Career and Technical Center. Tolles students may participate in both the Tolles program and the Davidson Graduation. For more information about the Tolles Graduation, call Tolles Technical Center at 614-873-4666.

ELEMENTARY CLAP OUTS

May 19th. Times TBD based on elementary school.

GRADUATION PRACTICE

SENIORS BIKE TO SCHOOL

Date: Thursday,  May 21, 2026

Time: 7:30 a.m.

Location: Meet at St. Brendan and ride down Davidson Road

Decorate your bikes and ride together as the Class of 2026 to Graduation Practice!  Seniors will enter at the Davidson Road light and proceed to the B4 Doors.  

SENIOR BREAKFAST

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location:  Fieldhouse       

GRADUATION PRACTICE

Date:  Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time:  8:45 a.m.-10:30 a.m.                                                                                                

Location:  Hilliard Davidson High School Main Gym & Field House

This practice is MANDATORY for students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. We will begin promptly at 8:45 a.m. 

GRADUATION DAY

Schottenstein High School Graduations- Class of 2026

Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 6:00-6:15 p.m. (Seniors will report to the Schottenstein Center-CHECK IN AT TABLE AT LOADING DOCK)
Graduation Ceremony: 7:00 p.m.
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. A live link will be available on the Davidson website for “at home” viewing the night of graduation.

ACCESSIBILITY Information.  

Discounted parking passes will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning in May.  Pre-purchase price TBD. Will also be available at the gate (Credit card only). Watch the announcements, eNews, social media for more information. Each graduate receives one FREE parking pass. All others must be purchased. Parking Map

Although participation in the commencement ceremony is optional, we encourage all members of the Class of 2026 to join us on this special day!

Students who choose to participate are expected to observe the following guidelines:

Students must wear the approved cap, gown, and Davidson, NHS or Tolles tassel (only one tassel permitted) during the ceremony.—NO DECORATED CAPS OR SOUVENIR TASSELS!

Appropriate attire for the ceremony: dress shirt with tie, dress top or blouse, a dress, dress pants, dress socks and shoes (flats or low heels recommended)—NO FLIP FLOPS!!!

EACH SENIOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR KEYS AND PERSONAL ITEMS! We will not be able to store them during the ceremony.  You will not have access to the ROTUNDA after the Graduation Ceremony is over.  Small crossbody bags are permitted underneath gowns.

SENIOR National Honor Society Members will wear National Honor Stoles during the graduation ceremony. Stoles will be distributed at graduation practice in the Grad Practice envelope.

Seniors who have earned the Honors Diploma will be given honors cords to wear at the ceremony.  These will be distributed at graduation practice in the Grad Practice envelope.

GRADUATION PHOTOS

Midwest Sports will be at the Davidson graduation ceremony taking pictures of each and every student as he or she walks across the stage and receives a diploma on Friday, May 22nd.  You will be able to purchase the graduation photographs or a direct download, no advance ordering necessary.  

Photos will be ready for viewing at: www.mymidwestsports.com You can order all your photos online, and Midwest Sports will mail them to you. The following steps will take you to the photographs:

• Click on the Photo Galleries and Online Images icon at the bottom of the page.  All images on the site will appear.
• Select the “Davidson” photo icon, click on it, and all the Davidson images will pop up.

Midwest Sports 614-841-7608

email: moc.balstropstsewdimobfsctd-36b593@spillihp 

GRADUATION GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS AND GUESTS

Family Guide to Graduation at the Schottenstein Center

The Schottenstein Center is very pleased to welcome Graduates, Families, and Friends to this year’s ceremony! Please take time to review this information so that we can help your Graduate have the best possible experience on this exciting day. Additional policies and information can be found at www.schottensteincenter.com

LiveStream Link

Ticketing

Tickets are not required for the 2026 High School Graduation ceremonies taking place inside the Schottenstein Center.

Facility Entrance

Please plan to arrive at the venue much earlier than you normally would to reduce congestion and wait times. All guests will pass through a metal detector screening upon entry. If you wait until shortly before the ceremony to enter – you will miss part of the event. Doors for each ceremony will open approximately 60 minutes prior to the start time.

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is available on the entry level (100) and terrace levels (300) arena. The seating area is level with the exterior walkways and concourses and involves no stairs. Disability seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. We ask families to try to limit themselves to one companion with the guest in need so that we may accommodate others. There is an ample amount of traditional seating adjacent to the handicap accessible platforms that the rest of your party could take advantage of.

Post-Ceremony Meet Up

Families should make plans to meet up with their graduating student at a designated location outside of the arena or off-campus. There are often multiple ceremonies being held back-to-back inside the arena.

No Bag Policy

Bags or purses of any size are NOT permitted into the Schottenstein Center. Wallets and wristlets no larger than 5”x8”x1” are permitted. Guests entering with medical, dietary, or childcare needs will enter through one dedicated lane available at each entrance to have their items inspected. One bag per person will be permitted for those with medical, dietary, or childcare needs such as: medications, medical equipment & supplies, single serving snack for medical needs, diapers, formula, baby food, baby bottles, breast pump, etc.

All items and persons entering the Schottenstein Center are subject to security screening and inspection. All guests will enter through a walk-through magnetometer.

Gifts

Wrapped packages/gifts, balloons, and bags are not permitted into the arena and will be stopped during the security inspection process at the gates. Please be sure to exchange gifts at home!

• Permitted Items
• Binoculars (without cases)
• Body worn baby carriers
• Bottles that are clear, plastic, and empty
• Cameras and video recording devices
• Coats & jackets (worn or carried)
• Mobility devices (such as canes, crutches, walkers, rollators, wheelchairs, scooters)
• Wallets, wristlets, or clutches no larger than 5”x8”x1”.
• One bag per person will be permitted for those with medical, dietary or childcare needs such as: medications, medical equipment & supplies, single serving snack for medical needs, diapers, formula, baby food, baby bottles, breast pump, etc.

Prohibited Items/ Security Screening

Guests are subject to inspection of persons, parcels, bags, and clothing capable of concealing prohibited items. Guests may refuse inspections, but management reserves the right to refuse entry. Guests that are found at screening or inside the arena with prohibited items are subject to Ohio Law and/or ejection from the arena. Prohibited items may be confiscated. Guests will be asked to comply with all screenings, i.e. removal of hats, emptying metal from pockets, and entry through metal detectors.

Other prohibited items include:

• All bags (including but not limited to backpacks, fanny packs, purses, string or ‘cinch’ bags, messenger bags, crossbody bags, camera bags, briefcases, grocery bags, roll bags, binocular cases, duffle bags or any other bags)
• Banners, flags, posters, and signs that interfere with the viewing of other guests
• Clothing with profane, inappropriate or abusive language
• Containers (common examples include but are not limited to hard sided coolers, soft pack coolers, ice chests, picnic baskets, cans, heavy plastic or glass bottles, thermoses)
• Confetti, streamers, glitter, balloons
• Firearms. Weapons are not permitted in the arena/stadium. Possession of a firearm or weapon is strictly forbidden. Possession of a weapon will result in immediate confiscation, ejection and/or possible arrest. Off-duty law enforcement: click here for concealed-carry policy
• Fireworks or explosives
• Food and beverages
• Illegal drugs
• Inflatables (balls, balloons, etc.)
• Markers or Paint
• Monopods and tripods
• Noise making devices (common examples include but are not limited to whistles, air horns, bull horns, blow horns, musical instruments, kazoos, bugles, cow bells, thunder sticks, sirens, milk jugs with rocks or coins, and stereos)
• Sticks, Poles, Pipes or Selfie sticks
• Weapons or items that mimic weapons including but not limited to: (aerosol cans, mace, pepper spray, lighters, matches, firearms, including CCW permit holders, fireworks, pocket knives, knives, spiked bracelets, brass knuckles, martial arts weapons, stun guns, squirt guns, super soakers and chains) or any item deemed dangerous or inappropriate.
• Wrapped gifts or packages
• Anything deemed by management to pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other guests.

Concessions

A few concession stand locations will be open inside the arena before and during the ceremony. All concessions transactions will be cashless. Credit cards and smartphone payments will be accepted.

Wheelchair Escorts

Complimentary wheelchair escorts are available at any entry point. Upon your arrival at the arena, ask any of our uniformed staff and they will call for an escort. You do not need to make arrangements prior to your event. They will escort you as close as possible to your seat and will make arrangements to pick you up after the event. Please be aware that our escort staff will not remain with you during the event, nor will they allow you to remain in our wheelchair for the duration of the event. Guest Attendants will assist guests who wish to transfer to a seat from their personal wheelchair with storing of their wheelchair during the event.

Family Accommodations

Baby changing stations are available in all restrooms.

Private Family Restrooms are available near Section 124 on the Entry level.

Strollers are welcome but must be stored under your seat or stored at Guest Services near Section 127

A dedicated Nursing Mother’s Room/Sensory Room is available for guests near Section 104. This quiet space includes soft furniture, a refrigerator, microwave, sink, baby changing table, and TV.

No Smoking/Tobacco

The use of tobacco products (including and not limited to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, hookah smoked products, pipes, oral tobacco and nasal tobacco) is prohibited in all university buildings and on all university-owned properties, including parking lots, garages, and outside areas. This includes any product intended to mimic tobacco products or deliver nicotine other than for the purpose of cessation.

Driving & Parking Information

Parking Locations & Fees

Guest parking will be available in the Scarlet and Gray Lots adjacent to the Schottenstein Center on graduation days. Follow the directions of the traffic control staff.

High School Graduations Parking Fee: Some high schools may provide a complimentary parking permit to their graduates. If you do not have a parking permit from your school, each vehicle will be charged $____ to park. Parking is cashless – only credit/debit cards and mobile smartphone payments will be accepted in the lots.

Disability parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Scarlet Lots adjacent to the Schottenstein Center. Parking is also $___ (cashless) to park in the disability lot for high school graduations.

Check out the Special Event Parking Map to view available lots with walking distances!

Drop Off / Pick Up

In addition to available ADA parking spaces, guests with disabilities can be dropped-off and picked-up near the arena. Pickups and drop offs are conducted on Borror Drive – which runs along the North side of the arena. Traffic Control staff can direct you to the designated location for your event.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HILLIARD YOUTH AND FAMILY COMMISSION

“Parents Who Host, Lose the Most:
Don’t be a party to teenage drinking”

Prom and graduation are important milestones in young peoples’ lives and cause for celebration.  The Hilliard Youth and Family Commission and Drug-free Action Alliance wants parents to know that providing alcohol to teens at prom and graduation parties can be costly for everyone involved.  It is illegal, unsafe, and unhealthy for anyone under age 21 to drink alcohol.

Here are the facts:

• Parents who give alcohol to their teen’s friends under any circumstances, even in their own homes, are breaking the law.
• Parents who knowingly allow a person under 21 to remain in their home or on their property while consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages can be prosecuted and everything associated with such a violation can be confiscated, including personal property.
• Parents can be sued if they give alcohol to anyone under 21; and they in turn hurt someone, hurt themselves, or damage property.

Hilliard teens deserve to live and grow to adulthood in an environment where alcohol is not misused. Hosting lively alcohol-free parties with plenty of fun activities for everyone is the best way to show our youth that we care about their future. If you’d like more information about the “Parents Who Host, Lose the Most” campaign, you can go to the following website:  www.DrugFreeActionAlliance.org.