Class of 2025 Graduation
- Baccalaureate Mass: May 15, 2025 (Thurs)
- Commencement Ceremony: May 18, 2025 (Sun)
On Nov. 13, 2024, Bishop Chatard’s diploma company, Herff-Jones, will be at BCHS during seminar regarding cap & gown orders, graduation announcements and other keepsake items that may be purchased. These items are not included in the graduation fee, and there is no obligation to purchase them.
The announcements are not invitations to the Commencement ceremonies. Graduation announcements are typically sent to out-of-town relatives and friends who would not attend the Commencement ceremonies but may like to send a congratulatory note or gift to the senior. The school has chosen the style of the announcements, and name cards personalized for the graduating senior can be purchased to insert inside the announcements. The company also offers items such as photo albums, picture frames, and thank-you notes. Again, all of these items are optional and there is no obligation to purchase them.
The announcements are not invitations to the Commencement ceremonies. Graduation announcements are typically sent to out-of-town relatives and friends who would not attend the Commencement ceremonies but may like to send a congratulatory note or gift to the senior. The school has chosen the style of the announcements, and name cards personalized for the graduating senior can be purchased to insert inside the announcements. The company also offers items such as photo albums, picture frames, and thank-you notes. Again, all of these items are optional and there is no obligation to purchase them.
Graduation Practice - May 15, 2025 - 1:00 p.m.
- Any senior who wishes to participate in the Commencement ceremonies must attend the practice unless excused by an administrator of the school.
- Students report to the main gym on Thursday no later than 1:00 p.m.
- Dress Code: Casual: jeans, pants or shorts, polo shirts, etc.
At graduation practice, each senior will be given their tickets for guest admission to Commencement ceremonies.
Baccalaureate Mass - May 15, 2025 - 6:30 p.m. - BCHS Main Gym
The Baccalaureate Mass marks the end of each senior’s high school experience in thanksgiving to God for all the blessings they have received, and in prayer for God to be with them as they continue on toward higher education and careers. Any senior who wishes to participate in the Commencement Ceremonies must attend the Mass unless otherwise excused by the Principal and/or President.
Commencement - May 18, 2025 - 1:30 p.m. - BCHS Main Gym
- Seniors should arrive at school by 12:45 p.m.
- Graduates wear the graduation gown, hat, and tassel. See additional Dress Code below
- Admission by ticket only. See ticket details below.
Participation in the Commencement ceremony is a privilege. Students who earn this privilege have completed the work required and conducted themselves in a way that befits the values promoted by the school.
Dress Code for Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement
Boys: Solid colored shirt and tie, dress pants with a belt, dark colored socks, and dress leather shoes. Boys should be groomed and clean-shaven; no facial jewelry. No shorts allowed.
Girls: Skirts, dresses, or dress pants with the following guidelines:
- No denim, jeans, or skinny pants.
- Skirts and dresses should not be shorter than 2 inches above the top of the knee.
- Skirts and dresses must not be skin-tight or form-fitting. No more than 3-inch slit.
- Shirts should not be low cut, sheer or transparent, or skin-tight or form fitting.
- Shoes – Flats or low-heeled, comfortable shoes are suggested.
Admission for guests is by ticket only. At graduation practice, each senior in the Class of 2025 will be given seven tickets for guest admission to Commencement ceremonies. No additional tickets are available.
It is up to the family to decide how tickets are to be dispersed. Families with unused tickets can share with those who need additional tickets. The tickets are given to the senior at graduation practice, and it is up to him or her to work out arrangements where there are custodial and non-custodial parents. The school does not provide extra tickets.
Seniors will keep their iPads after graduation. The iPad will be transferred to their ownership after final exams are completed. If a student experiences any issues with the transfer, please encourage them to contact the Bishop Chatard Tech Counter for help.
Commencement is a unique privilege that comes only once in a student’s high school career. It is our way of honoring each student for completing all requirements for earning a high school diploma in the state of Indiana. Participation in this prestigious event is reserved for students who fulfill all academic, financial, and behavioral obligations. It is a heart-wrenching experience for a senior not to be able to participate in Commencement, but participation policies were developed in justice to those many seniors who have worked long and hard towards graduation. Bishop Chatard reserves the right to establish policies concerning a student’s participation.
Participation Policies
- Any student who does not complete all requirements for graduation will not be permitted to participate in Commencement.
- Any student who successfully completes the required courses, but has not completed a state-required pathway (or qualified for a waiver) will be permitted to participate in Commencement but will receive a certificate of completion instead of a diploma. As soon as the school receives official notification that the student has passed the, the school will send a diploma
- A student who is withdrawn or suspended from the school for major disciplinary infractions or excessive absence from school may not participate in Baccalaureate or Commencement.
- Unless excused by the principal, any senior who does not attend the graduation practice or Baccalaureate may not participate in Commencement. He or she may attend Baccalaureate Mass with the approval of the principal. Bishop Chatard High School reserves the right to establish policies to decide whether or not a student may participate.
- All tuition and fees must be paid to receive a diploma and final grades.
To receive a diploma from Bishop Chatard High School, students in the Class of 2025 are required to:
- Complete a total of 8 semesters in high school
- Successfully complete all of the required courses including Theology in either the Core 40 or Core 40 with Academic Honors program
- Fulfill the Indiana Pathways Graduation Requirements
The graduation fee of $150 will automatically be billed to you as part of the tuition and fees for senior year. The fee is used for the following:
- Diploma covers and printing of diploma inserts;
- Rental of caps and gowns;
- Program printing for the Baccalaureate Mass;
- Decorations and program printing for the Commencement ceremonies.
The graduation fee does not cover the cost of any personalized invitations or other packages offered by Herff-Jones. All of the keepsake items are optional.