graduation information

Click here for the Class of 2026 Letter from Dr. Chris Merritt, Colquitt County High School Principal.

Wednesday, May 6th: Class of 2026 class picture and breakfast at 8:00am at the CCHS Practice Field. Following the Class of 2026 class picture there will be a Senior Bash for the Class of 2026.
 

Thursday, May 7th and Friday, May 8th: Finals for the Class of 2026.
 

Monday, May 11th: Senior Remediation. All students will be required to complete all graduation requirements by the end of the business day on Monday, May 11th in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. Please note: In the event a student must take their final early or later, it must be approved by Dr. Merritt one week in advance.  

Senior Elementary Walk & Festivities:

• Tuesday, May 12th
  • Okapilco Elementary School: 8:30am
  • Cox Elementary School: 9:00am
  • Norman Park Elementary School: 9:00am
• Wednesday, May 13th
  • R. B. Wright Elementary School: 8:30am
  • GEAR: 8:30am
• Thursday, May 14th
  • Stringfellow Elementary School: 8:30am
  • Hamilton Elementary School: 8:30am
  • Funston Elementary School: 9:00am
  • JM Odom Elementary School: 12:00pm
  • Doerun Elementary School: 1:00pm
  • Sunset Elementary School: 1:00pm

• Tributes will play on the Jumbotron from 7am-7:50am prior to graduation.
• Cost: $50.  Please pay Mrs. Murphy in Room 110 or contact her by email at wendy.murphy@colquitt.k12.ga.us or by phone at 229-890-6141 ext.23110.
• Tributes: Three pictures and 20 words
• Deadline: April 30th - Once you have purchased your Tribute, Mrs. Murphy will email a link to complete a Google form.

Be sure to follow the instructions below as the graduation commencement is a dignified ceremony honoring our graduates and their families. To ensure we provide a first-class ceremony students need to follow these instructions to ensure a dignified ceremony.

• Graduation Practice Attendance: Participation in graduation practice is mandatory, and students not in attendance will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony.
• Class of 2026 Arrival Time: Arrive at Mack Tharpe Stadium by 8:30 AM on Friday, May 15th.
  • Practice starts on the field at 8:30 AM. 
• Honor & Merit Students: will be seated in the first rows.
• Graduation Programs: Each graduate will receive a program at practice. If you want to keep it as a souvenir, remind your student to bring it home.
• Graduation Practice Dress Code: Wear school-appropriate, comfortable clothing
  because we will be moving quite a bit in preparation for Graduation.
• Graduation Tickets: Graduation Tickets will be distributed at the concession stand after graduation practice. All student fines, fees, and obligations must be paid in full before tickets are distributed to students. Students will receive ten (10) total tickets that will permit access into the stadium. Please note: Each graduate will receive an envelope containing 10 graduation tickets—eight of one color and two of another. On graduation day, all 10 tickets will allow entry into the stadium. However, in the event of inclement weather and a move to the CCHS Gym, only the two tickets of the different color will allow entry.

Graduate Information:

• Senior Students should park on the dirt lot beside WJ Williams gym near the softball fields.
• Report to the WJW Gym no later than 7:00am and check in with your teacher row leader.
• Be in your seat at the WJW gym by 7:15 a.m.
• Graduation starts at 8:00 a.m.

Dress for Graduation Ceremony (Graduates)

• Mandatory Graduation Dress Code to be worn with cap and gown: (Click for examples)
• Males: Black pants, Black shoes, White shirt, and Dark tie
• Females: Black pants, dark dress (hemline line should be above the gown length), and black shoes. It is recommended that you do not wear extremely high heels or shoes that tie around the ankle to avoid discomfort or falling.
• No Croc style shoes, flip flops, or athletic shoes.
• No scarves, headbands, and/or any other headgear will be allowed.
• No jeans. (If you wear jeans to graduation you will not be allowed to walk.  You will be able to walk in August at Summer Graduation.)
• No sunglasses.
• The Mortar Board/Cap is to be worn flat (not tilted), with the point in the middle of the forehead, with the tassel on the right side. Do not write or put anything on the top of the mortarboard/cap.
• Only CCHS stoles and cords can be worn at Graduation. (See Principal for approval of other cords).
• Dress code will be checked before graduation starts.
• If you have any questions about graduation attire, please see Ms. Wendy Murphy.

Spectator Information:

• Gates will open for spectators at 7:00 a.m. You must have a ticket to enter.
• Graduation starts at 8:00 a.m.
• Due to the heat, you may choose to watch graduation live on CNS at 8:00 a.m. the day of graduation.
• Withers Auditorium will be open for those who would like to watch in the comfort of air conditioning or if you do not get CNS.

Graduation Day Parking

• Senior Students should park on the dirt lot beside WJW gym near the softball fields.
• Handicap accessible parking is along Stadium Drive between the Art Center and stadium. Enter from 7th Ave SW.
• No reserved parking other than for persons with disabilities.

Stadium Entry
OpenGate Weapon Detection Devices Procedures: At each entry point there will be an OpenGate Weapon Detective Device set up for spectators to enter through to gain entry into the stadium.

• Clear Bag Procedures: All bags entering the stadium must be clear.
• Monitoring the System: School personnel will monitor the OpenGate Weapon Detection Devices as individuals pass through. If a green light appears, the individual is clear to proceed onto campus. If a red light appears, the individual will be directed to a designated area where their belongings will be checked and searched by school or district administration.
• Devices as individuals pass through. If a green light appears, the individual is clear to proceed onto campus. If a red light appears, the individual will be directed to a designated area where their belongings will be checked and searched by school or district administration.
• Clear Search: If no prohibited items are found, the individual will be allowed to continue into the stadium.
• Prohibited Items: If a weapon or prohibited item is found, disciplinary actions will be taken in accordance with Colquitt County School District policies, as well as Georgia state laws and guidelines for maintaining a safe school environment.

Stadium Seating
Gate Openings: Mack Tharpe Stadium gates open at 7:00 AM, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Home Side Seating: Enter through the West side gate behind the home stands (across from the cemetery) or the main home side entrance.
• Visitor Side Seating: Enter through the Northeast side gate (between the fieldhouse and visitor stands). No other gates will be open.
• Accessible Seating: Persons with disabilities should use the Northeast entrance on the visitor side. Reserved seating is limited to individuals with disabilities, with space for one accompanying guest per wheelchair user.
• Seating Comfort: Guests may bring a towel, cushion, or stadium seat as bleachers may be wet from overnight rain or dew.
• Ceremony Etiquette: Guests are expected to remain seated throughout the ceremony to ensure a respectful experience for all.

Graduation Map

Graduation Rules
Graduation is a special and dignified ceremony for our graduates and their families. To ensure a respectful experience for all, attendees are encouraged to remain courteous throughout the ceremony. Any disruptions may result in removal and may lead to charges under GA Code 20-2-1181- Disruption of a Public School. Please avoid excessive noise so each speech and graduate’s name can be heard. Balloons, umbrellas, signs, and noise makers such as cowbells, air horns, and whistles are not allowed. Smoking, vaping, and electronic cigarettes are strictly prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation in making this a memorable event for everyone.

After Ceremony/Diplomas
Graduation Diplomas will not be mailed. Seniors will pick up their diploma at the concession stands at the south end zone (visitor side) right after the ceremony.

Graduation Day Pictures
BPI photographers will be taking photographs of your senior at graduation. Seniors will be emailed a link to the images or provided a hard copy of the proof if the email address is unavailable. Images will be online a few days after the graduation ceremony. If you have any questions, please call BPI toll free at 1-866-363-6936. 

Thank you for your cooperation and efforts to make the Graduation Ceremony for the Colquitt County High School Class of 2026 a special event for all graduates and spectators. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Chris Merritt, Principal, at (229) 890-6141.