Grade 12 Senior

Welcome Class of 2026

Class Spirit Color is Black

Senior Cap & Gown Pick Up April 23 Lunch
Senior Important Timeline
Senior News

Senior Cap & Gown Pick Up April 23 Lunch

Cap & Gown (Stole & Tassel) Orders Due NOW. Questions 425-357-1338.

April 23: National Achiever/Jostens at lunches on Thursday April 23 for preorder/paid cap, gown, stole and tassel distribution.
Graduation Apparel: National Achievers is the source for all graduation apparel for Ballard, including caps and gowns, tassels, diploma cover, announcements with school image on the keepsake announcement and more. Visit the National Achiever/Jostens to place orders.
- Place your orders for the Graduation Cap & Gown.
- Note: The Counseling Center has loaner Caps & Gowns (no tassel or stoles). Seniors would still need to purchase a tassel and stole. Use this National Achiever site if ONLY ordering a 2026 Stole and Tassel. (if you need assistance reach out to a BHS Counselor).

Grad Announcement. Text: Class of 2026 Ballard High School

Announcements Offered from Jostens

FYI: If of interest. The Graduation Announcements from Jostens are a nice keepsake with a drawing of the school (there was an example in Seniors Packet).

Senior Important Timeline

Due Now

Due NOW: Order Cap & Gown, Tassel & Stole
Get Your Tolo Tickets (if interested)!
SPREE Tickets (if interested): Spree happens after graduation June 15, it is a nationwide event to prevent driving intoxicated. There ARE scholarships; we want all Seniors to be able to participate!! There are a limited number of tickets to be sold. students will be bussed to two different secret venues. Tickets on sale now until sold out.
Common App Colleges: Students need to add counselors to the portal and make sure to inform counselors and teachers about their letter of recommendation (if needed).

March, April, May 2026

March 27: Additional Graduation Ceremony Ticket Request: Principle Hunt (BHS Graduation Coordinator: Staff Laura Lenhi) sent an email to Senior Families with a link to the Form that needs to be used to request additional tickets before March 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- Graduates will receive their OWN tickets and do not count toward your allotted four (4) tickets per graduating student. More graduation details are on the Graduation page.
April 4: Spring Tolo Dance (No tickets sold at the door)
- At Pier 66 from 7 – 10 p.m.
  - Get Your Tickets By March 27!
April 23: Pre-Ordered Cap & Gown distribution during lunches.
April 24: Golden Beaver Scholarship Applications Due
- Three different scholarship opportunities:
  - Golden Beavers, Hughbanks Family, and Time Nygard Ballard “Legacy” Scholarships support Ballard Graduates.
    - All applications are available on the BHS website and in the Counseling Center.
May 1, 2026 Graduation Requirements (Service Learning 60, PE Waivers):
- If you have questions see your counselor at lunch, or make an appointment on the BHS website.
May 30: Senior Prom at the Columbia Tower from 8 – 11 p.m.
- Tickets on sale: May 4–22.

June 2026

June 8 & 9: Senior Finials (more details to follow)
June 10: Students who need extra time or are absent for Finals (June 8 or 9)
TBD: Senior Dinner/Awards Night
June 11: Senior Check Out (form and more details to follow)
- And Laptop Check In (more details to follow)
- And Graduation Ceremony Tickets will be distributed.
June 11: Last Day for Seniors (more details to follow)
June 12: Required Graduation Rehearsal
- At Ballard HS (more details to follow)
June 15 at 5 p.m.: Graduation Ceremony at McCaw Hall: More details on the Graduation page.
- Graduation is a ticketed event. Each graduating senior gets 4 tickets. Graduates will receive their OWN tickets and do not count toward your allotted four (4) tickets per graduating student.
- Additional Ticket Request: Principle Hunt (BHS Graduation Coordinator: Staff Laura Lenhi) sent an email to Senior Families with a link to the Form that needs to be used to request additional tickets before March 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
  - The form is the ONLY way to request additional tickets and ONLY ONE request will be honored per graduating senior. Questions: Graduation Coordinator: Laura Lehni; lllehni@seattleschools.org
  - Graduation Live Stream available via SPS website (more details to follow)

How To Stay Connected: For continued information be sure you check your email regularly and follow the class Instagram, ballardhsclassof2026, look for updates on the Senior Board in the main hallway!

Senior News

Flowers, Stamps, Text: Tolo Here we go again!

Spring Tolo Dance: April 4 Tickets On Sale Now Until March 27 ONLY

Spring Dance Details.

Class of 2026: Graduation Ceremony June 15, 2026 at 5 p.m. McCaw Hall

Ballard HS Graduation Information.

Ballard High School Foundation Golden Beaver Scholarships BHS Shield

BHS Foundation Golden Beavers & Hughbanks Family Scholarships Due April 24

Ballard HS Foundation (Golden Beavers) & Hughbanks Family Scholarships.

BHS Counselors. Sonja, Maya, Tom, Gail and Katie

Counseling Center Resources

Check Out the Counseling Dashboard for important information for all students and families.

Senior SPREE Details, Tickets Sales & More!

Senior SPREE information.

Laptops, Notebooks, Photo, Mug and Images of students

All Ballard HS Students & Seniors: Stay Connected

All the ways for students to stay in the know with Club events and updates for Ballard HS especially Seniors and Running Start Students too.

All Calendar & News Updates

Ballard High School Graduation Ceremony: June 15, 2026

Date: June 15, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Location: McCaw Hall – 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109

Complete Details on the Graduation Page

Senior Yard Signs | BPA Fundraiser

Ballard Performing Arts is running a fundraiser by selling Senior Class of 2026 Yard Signs. This is open to all 2026 graduating seniors. The proceeds will support our Performing Arts Programs. If you would like financial assistance to purchase one, contact ballardperformingarts@gmail.com. As you go through the Senior Year Checklist, don’t forget to order your Class of 2026 Senior Yard sign. Prices will go up as graduation gets closer. Don’t miss out! Signs will be available to pick up after May 1, 2026 at a location TBD.

Order Class of 2026 Yard Signs By March 30, 2026

More Ways To Stay Up-To Date!

Senior Instagram Updates

BHS Class of 2026

Stay caught up and follow the Ballard Class of 2026 Instagram.

Class of 2026 Instagram

For information throughout the school year follow the Class Instagram 2026 and check the BHS Website Online Announcement page often, look for updates on the Senior Board in the Main Hallway. Sign up for the Class of 2026 Senior & Family Facebook page too!

Senior Resources

Senior Year Career and College Planning Checklist

September

Review your course schedule–take the most challenging and appropriate classes for your abilities.
Stay involved in extracurricular activities—balance fun with academics.
Plan and register for any final ACT or SAT tests, if needed.
Finalize college list with names of schools and begin completing applications.
Still researching post high school options, use the following websites to help in your career and college search:
- CollegeBoard BigFuture
- Washington CareerBridge

Attend presentations by college representatives with virtual visits.
Watch for virtual College Fairs and Events.
Letters of Recommendation.
Make a calendar and organize important activities and tasks for the semester and year.

October

Keep your grades up–use any resources available to help you get the most out of your classes.
Take the SAT
Start working on FAFSA, WASFA and CSS Profile, if planning to attend college after high school
Continue completing applications.

November

Keep your grades up–use any resources available to help you get the most out of your classes.
Watch for AP Exam registration if interested. Must be registered and paid to take AP Exam(s) in May.
Continue completing applications.
Review your calendar and activities/tasks list and adjust as needed.

December

Continuing completing applications.
FAFSA, WASFA
Check grades and seek help for academic areas you may be struggling with now.

January

Keep focused with classes, finish out 1st semester strong
Scholarship research and application completion continues.

February

New semester—review what went well and what did not from 1st semester—adjust as needed.
Still researching post high school options, use all resources to help move toward your goal.
Scholarship research and application completion continues
Complete Seattle Promise Application as a post high school college option.

March

Scholarship research and application completion continues

April

Check grades and keep working hard.
Finalize college acceptance process.
Scholarship research and application completion continues

May

Still researching post high school options, use all resources to help move toward your goal.
Prepare to take your AP Exams (if applicable).
Scholarship research and application completion continues.
Start researching summer opportunities including internships, jobs, volunteer work, summer programs, etc.

June

Finish out your classes and high school career on a positive note.
Graduation!

-> Pick up a Senior Year Career and College Planning Checklist PDF in the Counseling Office.

Blog Article for Collage Application Process

Rick Clark’s “The College Application is NOT a form. It’s YOUR STORY!” blog is fantastic if you’re going through the college application process.

Stay Informed!

Reading the PTSA Weekly Newsletter is one of the best ways to stay informed of upcoming events and deadlines. If you are not getting the PTSA Weekly Newsletter you can sign up on the Sign Up Form

Running Start & all Seniors & Families: Check the BHS Website Online Announcement page.

Senior parents watch and follow the FB PTSA Parents Class of 2026 for updates and as well as the Student Instagram @ballardhsclassof2026 for Associated Student Body (ASB) and students updates.

Questions for a Ballard HS Counselor or School Social Worker? Schedule an appointment.

Student & Family Helpful Information

Washington Student Achievement Council offers many resources for families as they prepare for life after graduation.

It’s common for graduating seniors to lose momentum during Summer Break. The last years have been particularly challenging, but don’t let that derail your hopes and dreams for the future. Take time this summer to reflect on what you want life to look like down the road.

Once graduation is behind you (Congratulations!), set yourself up for success in life after high school:

Have a plan for college or career training. It’s not too late!
Check out the Graduate Handbook, which provides next steps for recent high school graduates. The handbook includes a to-do list, info about college course types, financial aid tips, and more.
Don’t forget to prepare a budget, and make sure you know how to access health care.
Need help? Have questions? Identify supportive people and places in your community or on your future college campus.

Parents and families can help! Ask the adults in your life to review the Family Guide: Supporting Your Child After High School, which helps family members support graduates as they prepare for and complete their first year in college. The family guide is available in eight languages.

Life is changing, but you are ready—you can do this! Stay on track and plan your future on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.

Applying to College & Post High School Information

If you are looking for help with a college list, log into your Naviance account. Use the SuperMatch tool to search for colleges that would be a good fit. The Ballard HS Counseling Center pages: Applying to College and Post High School Options have a considerable amount of resources and helpful information posted that the Counselors have put together for your reference, so check them out!

Applying to College

Refer to this page for answers to commonly asked questions about applying to college – both 4 year and 2 year as well as upcoming events and opportunities. Explore the sections on the Applying to College page for helpful information for Ballard Seniors and their families. Check back regularly, as new content is being added.

Applying to College Resources

Post High School Options

Refer to this page for answers to commonly asked questions about post high school options and resources. Explore the sections on the Post High School Options page for helpful information for Ballard Seniors and their families. Check back regularly, as new content is being added.

Post High School Options

Can’t Find What You Are Looking For?

Email me with tips on information you would like located here or better ways to support your searches on the Ballard HS website. Diane Taylor, BHS Website Editor at dmtaylor@seattleschools.org Thank you!

As of March 5, 2026