May 2026
Parents &/or Guardians,
A professional photographer will be taking photos of your senior receiving their diploma, free of charge to you. You will receive an SMS link via the school messaging system approximately May 26, 2026 (After Memorial Day). This link will allow you to pick and order your photos. If you do not receive the link, please email Nicole Anderson at andersonn@discoverers.org.
In addition, the graduation ceremony will be live-streamed at: https://striv.tv/channel/columbus/
April 17, 2026
Dear Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2026,
Our hope is that this letter finds you excited about your child’s upcoming graduation. Columbus Public Schools and Columbus High School will host the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 on May 17 at 3:00 in Main Gym. Below is a list of upcoming events and information.
Important Dates and Information:
April 29 - Senior Homeroom Presentation: Cover Final Month and Graduation Expectations
May 6 - AP Testing: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (English Literature)
May 6- Senior Honors Night in the auditorium at 7:00 pm (By Invitation Only)
May 11 AP Testing: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Calculus AB & Calculus BC)
Week of May 4 - 8
Senior Computer Checks with Technology (Fees will be assessed if necessary)
The deadline for all disciplinary/attendance minutes to be served is Friday, May 8, 2026. (disciplinary minutes are updated daily and Homeroom teachers discuss grades and/or minutes owed weekly.)
Week of May 11 - 13
All seniors must be in attendance
All required courses must be passing by 4:00 pm on May 12, 2026 to walk in the graduation ceremony
Seniors check-out will be on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Information for senior check out will be shared
All fees, including lunch balances, must be paid to participate in ceremony
May 13 - Senior Last Day
Attend final day of school
May 14, 2026 starting at 8:30 am Mandatory Attendance for students failing any classes on May 12, 2026
May 15 - Graduation Practice at 1:00 pm (Attendance is required to walk in the graduation ceremony Seniors should plan to arrive by 12:45 pm)
May 17 - Graduation at 3:00 pm (Doors will open to the public at 2:00 pm. Seating is first come, first serve. No tickets are issued for seating.)
The following guidelines are listed in the Columbus High School Handbook for participation in the graduation ceremony. If your student has elected to not participate in the Graduation ceremony, please contact the counseling office by Friday, May 1, 2026.
Graduation Ceremony Student Expectations: The Columbus High School graduation ceremony is a celebration of the tremendous accomplishments of the members of the graduating class. It is important that each graduate understand that while this is his/her big day, it is also a big day for hundreds of other CHS graduates. As the hosts of the ceremony, Columbus High School has set forth the following expectations for all members of the senior class opting to participate in this optional event:
seniors must successfully complete all graduation requirements during their final semester
all fines and fees must be settled through the CHS office prior to the graduation ceremony
all student devices, class equipment and athletic or extra-curricular uniforms must be returned prior to the graduation ceremony
proper attire for the ceremony will include dress clothes and appropriate shoes for both male and female students.
proper attire for the ceremony also dictates no tennis shoes and no flip flops - footwear should be appropriate for a formal event and is subject to administrative discretion on a case-by-case basis
no possession or use of a cell phone during the ceremony will be permitted
no messages or symbolism will be permitted on the mortar boards (hats)
only honorary adornments provided by Columbus High School will be permitted to be worn by graduates (e.g. honor cords, NHS medals, etc.)
leis, stoles (other than the official CHS graduating class stole) and other visible adornments will not be permitted to be worn by any member of the graduating class
behavior during the ceremony should reflect the highest standards of Columbus High School
students who fail to meet the behavioral expectations by drawing undue attention to themselves or their actions during the ceremony may have their diploma held at administrative discretion, until appropriate consequences have been served
The above expectations will be discussed at the senior homeroom presentation on April 29, and also at graduation practice on May 15 along with other ceremony guidelines. We look forward to a rewarding graduation ceremony. Please contact Columbus High School (402-563-7050) if you have questions regarding the expectations or the ceremony.
Pictures During the Ceremony
Columbus Public Schools has hired a professional photographer and will be taking photographs. These will be provided to families at no cost. All family members who wish to take pictures during the ceremony must do so from their seats only.
Conclusion of the Ceremony
At the conclusion of the ceremony, all graduates will exit to the auxiliary gym where they can pick up personal belongings and diplomas. All family members are asked to exit Columbus High School through the Main Entrance.
Graduation Live-Stream
For friends and family that are not able to attend the physical ceremony, the graduation ceremony will be streamed live. The link to the graduation ceremony will be shared on the Columbus Public Schools website and social media the week of graduation.
Sincerely,
Mr. David Hiebner, Principal
Mr. Austin Carmichael, 9th Asst. Principal
Mr. Tim Kwapnioski, Activities Director
Ms. Angela Leifeld, 12th Asst. Principal
Mr. Michael Ziola, 10/11th Asst. Principal
