Commencement Weekend | Special and Annual Events | Episcopal High School

Commencement Weekend

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Commencement Weekend
May 22-23, 2026

Commencement exercises for the Class of 2026 will take place on May 22-23, 2026. We look forward to celebrating our seniors with friends and family together on The Holy Hill this spring.

Memorial Day weekend is a community weekend as we celebrate the graduating Class of 2026 as a full community on Friday and Saturday, and our 9th, 10th and 11th graders prepare for their final assessments the following week.

Episcopal will have professional photographers on both Friday and Saturday, with downloadable albums and a recording of all three ceremonies posted soon after the weekend.

 

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Highlights from Commencement 2025

Commencement FAQs and Accommodations

Commencement Seating Protocols
As we gather to celebrate the Class of 2026, families are asked to be considerate of each other in following these community guidelines:
  • Hoxton Circle will open at 7:30 a.m.
  • As EHS Housekeeping Staff clean all chairs on Saturday morning, anything left on or affixed to the chairs when they begin their work will be removed.
  • Families are asked not to reserve large sections in one area.
  • An accessible seating section will be available as depicted on this map.
  • The graduation ceremony will be livestreamed in Pendleton Hall for those who would prefer a climate-controlled environment
A Reminder About Pets and Alcohol On Campus
Families are reminded that alcohol is not permitted at any Commencement Weekend event held on campus.

Please remember that pets, including hypoallergenic breeds, are not allowed in any buildings and must be leashed at all times. We do have individuals on campus with severe allergies and some that are very frightened of animals in particular. We appreciate your support of this important campus protocol.
Where Can I Park?

Baccalaureate 5/22 @ 5:00 p.m. - Callaway Chapel
Awards Ceremony 5/22 @ 7:30 p.m. - Hershey Athletics Center

  • Guests should arrive via the gate located at 1200 N Quaker Lane.
  • Parking attendants will be ready to direct guests to parking along the front drive.
  • Shuttles to Callaway Chapel will be available for those with mobility issues.  Flag down any parking/shuttle attendant.

Accessible Parking

  • There will be reserved parking in front of Penick Hall (the admissions building), Evans Dormitory and in front of Hershey Athletics Center.
  • Parking attendants will monitor these spaces and guide drivers to the appropriate parking spots. 
  • Additional parking spaces are directly behind the chapel and may be used for dropping off guests or parking on a first-come, first-served basis

Commencement 5/23 @ 9:00 a.m. - Hoxton Circle

  • Guests should arrive via the gate located at 1200 N. Quaker Lane.
  • The gate will be open at 6:00 a.m. and our parking attendants will be ready to direct guests to parking along the front drive.
  • Shuttles to Hoxton Circle will be available for those with mobility issues. Flag down any parking/shuttle attendant.
  • It is recommended to arrive on site no later than 8:00 a.m. to alleviate parking lines and to ensure you are parked and seated before the Commencement ceremony begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Accessible Parking

  • There will be reserved parking in front of Penick Hall (the admissions building), Evans Dormitory and in front of Hershey Athletics Center.
  • Parking attendants will monitor these spaces and guide drivers to the appropriate parking spots.
  • Additional parking spaces are directly behind the chapel and may be used for dropping off guests or parking on a first-come, first-served basis

Oversized Vehicles: Any families that may have an oversized vehicle exceeding the size of a large SUV (Suburban/Yukon) or any vehicle towing a trailer to assist with Senior move out should plan to arrive via the gate located at 3900 W. Braddock Road and park in the Gravel Lot.  Parking attendants will be available for assistance in the Gravel Lot.
Accessibility During Commencement Weekend

Accessible Parking: There will be reserved parking in front of Penick Hall (the admissions building), Evans Dormitory and in front of Hershey Athletics Center. Parking attendants will monitor these spaces and guide drivers to the appropriate parking spots. 

Accessible Seating: All Friday events are hosted in accessible buildings with flexible seating options. For Saturday’s Commencement Ceremony on Hoxton Circle (weather permitting), there will be a section of seating reserved for those with mobility issues. The most accessible seats will be reserved for guests in wheelchairs.  Questions? Contact Director of Events Jane Forsythe.

Access to Golf Cart Shuttles: Our hope is that the reserved parking will provide you the direct access to the buildings you and your guests require. However, if you need additional support, staff members will be available to escort your guest(s) via golf cart to the destination. Check in with the parking attendants, who can call for support on site.
Inclement Weather Plan
While we always hope for sun, in the event of inclement weather, we will move the Commencement Exercises to Hershey Athletics Center.
  • Any change of venue will be announced by 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning via text, email, and posting on the Commencement Weekend webpage.
  • Parking attendants will be available to direct you on Friday and Saturday and shuttles to Hershey Athletics Center will be available.
  • There will be designated accessible seating available in Hershey Athletics Center.
Professional Photography
The School will have two professional photographers staffing events on Friday and Saturday, with albums posted soon after the weekend.
What is the Commencement Ceremony Attire For Graduates?
Graduates are expected to be in Vespers attire. Girls historically have worn white dresses and boys have worn coat and tie. There is no cap and gown for EHS graduates.
Do I need a ticket to attend graduation?

No, EHS does not require tickets for the Commencement ceremony. We are happy for all extended family members and friends to join us here on The Holy Hill as we celebrate our Class of 2026. All are also invited to join us on campus for dinner Friday night and for the Senior Luncheon on Saturday after Commencement.
Senior Dorm Move Out

Seniors should plan to be moved out of dorm by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. Many families choose to begin the move-out process on Friday afternoon, but all seniors must be checked out of their dorm by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Where Can I Order a Class Ring or Graduation Announcements?
Class Rings: Jostens is standing by to take orders from any senior interested in an EHS class ring. Order your ring here. Rings are mailed directly to your home. If you have questions, Jostens sales representative William Orme is available at william.orme@jostens.com.

Announcements: Print announcements are available through our vendor Herff Jones. If you are interested in purchasing, select the “Announcements & Accessories” tab. 
Diploma Tubes Will be Available
Protective diploma tubes will be available at a table by Laird Dining Hall after the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday.
Area Accommodations

Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria

Phone: (855) 212-6783
Address: 1600 King Street Alexandria,  VA 22314

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Heron Hotel

Phone: (703) 662-1900
Address: 699 Prince Street Alexandria,  VA 22303

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Hilton Alexandria - Old Town

Phone: (703) 647-2040
Address: 1767 King Street Alexandria,  VA 22314

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Hilton Garden Inn Shirlington (Arlington)

Phone: (703) 820-0440
Address: 4271 Campbell Ave. Arlington,  VA 22206

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Hotel AKA Alexandria

Phone: (703) 650-0200
Address: 625 First Street Alexandria,  VA 22314

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Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria

Phone: (703) 548-1050
Address: 1625 King Street Alexandria,  VA 22314

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Morrison House

Phone: (703) 838-8000
Address: 116 South Alfred St. Alexandria,  VA 22314

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The Alexandrian

Phone: (703) 549-6080
Address: 480 King St. Alexandria,  VA 22314

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