Senior Graduation

Graduation Ceremony 2026

Video: Graduation Ceremony
Graduation Photos Rowland Studios
Transcripts and Diploma
Graduation Ceremony Information
Senior SPREE

Video: Graduation Ceremony

Graduation Ceremony Video Posted Soon!

The Graduation Ceremonies video will be posted soon on the Ballard HS website as well as the SPSTV page after the ceremonies.

BHS Graduation Ceremony Video posted soon.

Ballard High School Graduation Commencement Program to be posted soon!

Graduation Photos Rowland Studios

As in the past, Rowland Studio photographers will be at the Ballard Graduation Ceremony and will be taking pictures of the graduates receiving their diplomas and some other candid photos.

Rowland will also be available for a brief time to take photos before the graduation ceremony.

Class of 2025 — *Image for display only. Rowland Studios*

Photos from the Ballard HS Graduation Ceremony will be available to view/order on the Rowland website using your graduate’s student ID number as the access code. Photos will be online for families and graduates to view and order within two weeks of graduation.

Families can log on with Student ID number and you will be given the option to register for email and/or text notifications as soon as photos are available.

The Class of 2026 group photo was taken on June 5 will also be available to view & order with individual graduate photos from the ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact Rowland Studio; info@rowlandphoto.com

Transcripts and Diploma

Transcripts for all Graduates are planned to be sent to the college indicated through the Graduation Survey on Naviance during the week of July 6, 2026 as well as to the NCAA for Athletics.

Diplomas and Final Transcripts can be picked up in the Ballard HS Main Office week of July 6, 2026.

Student’s hard copy of the diploma can be pick up from the main office.
- We will hold diplomas at Ballard HS for 1 year
Need ID to pick up.
If a student is unable to pick up a diploma, only a parent or guardian listed in PowerSchool can pick up their diploma for them with valid ID and permission from the student.
Questions: Call the Main Office at 206-252-1000.

Visit the district Requesting Transcripts and Other Student Records page or the designated Ballard HS Online Parchment for additional information.

Cap & Gown (Recycle)

Cap & Gown (Stole & Tassel) orders are all due. Questions: 1-425-357-1338.

Remember, you can recycle your cap and gown for future graduates to use. Drop off in the Main Office or in the Counseling Center.

Seniors Don’t Unsubscribe

Please do not unsubscribe from the PTSA Newsletter so we can keep you updated on Ballard HS Alumni news. You will no longer receive the Weekly PTSA Newsletter beyond June, but you will now be a Class of 2026 Ballard High School Alumni.

Ballard HS Graduation Ceremony at McCaw Hall:
Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Graduation Ceremony Information

Graduation Ceremony Date: Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5 p.m.
- Location: McCaw Hall – 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109. Refer to Parking information. Visit the McCaw Hall website for more details or refer to the SPS Graduation FAQ for other helpful information. More information about McCaw Hall logistics from the district.
  - Note: On June 15, a World Cup match will take place at noon at Lumen Field, and the Seattle Center has fan celebrations that will create an especially high foot traffic as well as other SPS graduations before and after Ballard HS.

Seniors received a SEALED individually labeled envelope that has THEIR graduate ticket (labeled + brick red and white checkered) and their assigned guest tickets (labeled + brick red). We DO NOT have replacements. Questions: Graduation Coordinator: Laura Lehni; lllehni@seattleschools.org

Important Reminders/Details for Parents/Guardians

Graduates enter at a different entrance than families. Make sure you are wearing your graduate wristband. This has a different design/label than guests. Graduates! Do not bring bags or other items with you. You must have all your possessions on your body as you will not return to the staging space or your seat in the Auditorium. Refer to Principal Abby Hunt June 12, 2026 email for more details.

Seniors MUST arrive by 4 p.m. to McCaw Hall. Seniors enter at the Mercer Street Entrance (#3 see map).
Doors open for families at 4:15 p.m. Families enter at the McCaw Hall Main Entrance & Security Screening (#4 see map). Must wear wrist bands (tickets) We do not have replacements. We are the 2nd event of the evening so there may be a delay depending on things outside of our control. McCaw Hall ushers will assist with accessibility for families. Please share this information with your family.
Pictures: Can be taken during the processional and after in the Founders Court. Families are not permitted to move to the stage/floor during the ceremony.
- Rowland Studio will be photographing each Graduate after they receive their diploma on stage. The photos will be available to view and purchase online.

Map of Seattle Center and Founders Circle on link on webpage.

Graduates & Families Exit

Graduates exit to the Founder Court (#6 see map)
Families meet at the Founders Court (#6 see map)
Pictures: Can be taken after in the Founders Court.
Graduates going to SPREE board busses at Ballard HS at 9:45 p.m.

Livestream

Graduation Ceremony Livestream: The graduations will be Live Streamed during the events (select LIVE) and available on the SPS Graduation webpage after the ceremonies.

Senior SPREE

SENIOR SPREE 2026!

Senior All-Night Party after the Graduation Ceremony.

SPREE Details

SPS | McCaw Hall | Graduation | FAQ

SPS | McCaw Hall Expectations | FAQ

Getting to McCaw Hall

What is the address and phone number for McCaw Hall? McCaw Hall is located on Mercer Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, on the north edge of the Seattle Center campus, approximately 2 miles north of the downtown Seattle business district. Hall’s street address is 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
- Refer to the McCaw Hall Website
- Seattle Center / McCaw Hall Customer Service: 206-684-7200
Where can I check for Transportation updates? Transportation affecting access to and from Seattle Center can be found at the Seattle Center website.
Is parking available for guests Parking is available at nearby garages, including the Mercer Street Garage. Details and directions.
What is the impact of the World Cup on Graduations at McCaw Hall On June 15, a World Cup match will take place at noon at Lumen Field, and graduation ceremonies are scheduled for 2, 5 and 8 p.m. that day. Seattle Center will also host fan celebrations. Seattle Center will likely experience especially high foot traffic that day.
Is McCaw Hall ADA accessible? Yes. ADA-accessible routes, seating, and restrooms are available. The Sky Bridge will be open to provide ADA access while minimizing elevator use. ADA seating is located in the lower rows on the far-right side of the hall.
How does ticketing and security work? McCaw Hall team will manage security at the guest entry and guest relations at the door, including bag checks and wanding. SPS will partner to provide additional security as needed.

Entering McCaw Hall

Where do guests enter McCaw Hall? Guests will enter through the Mercer Street North Entrance, which serves as the main public entrance, and show their ticket to enter. Ushers and signage will direct guests to appropriate seating areas.
Where can families wait if they arrive early? Guests may wait in the Mercer Street Main Lobby. Students will gather separately in the Lecture Hall prior to the ceremony.
How do I drop off my graduate? Ballard HS Seniors should follow instructions given at the Mandatory Rehearsal. Some schools are encouraging families to park and then walk along Mercer Street to the closest entrance to the Lecture Hall.
Where do graduates enter the venue? Ballard HS Seniors should follow instructions given at the Mandatory Rehearsal. Some schools graduates may enter through the Nesholm Family Lecture Hall Entrance. Some students may gather in the Lecture Hall prior to the ceremony with staff and teacher supervision and will then be escorted into the Main Hall.
What if a graduate arrives late? Ballard HS Seniors should follow instructions given at the Mandatory Rehearsal. Some late-arriving graduates may follow the same process as other graduates and enter through the Nesholm Lecture Hall Entrance.
Where do graduates go after the ceremony? Ballard HS Seniors should follow instructions given at the Mandatory Rehearsal. Graduates will exit directly outside the venue and proceed west to the Founders Court. Families will be asked to remain seated until all graduates have exited, after which families may follow.
Where are graduates seated during the ceremony? Graduates will be seated in the lower-level seating area.
Will the ceremonies be live-streamed? The graduations will be live streamed during the events and available on the SPS Graduation webpage after the ceremonies.
Will ASL interpretation be available? Yes. Live ASL interpretation will be provided for ADA seating sections. Ushers will guide guests who require ASL services to the appropriate seating area.

McCaw Hall Procedures and Expectations

Are bags allowed? There will be bag checks and screening upon entry. Small bags (typically around 4.5″ x 6.5″ or 4″x 6″x 1.5″) will be allowed. Not allowed liquids, weapons, and large bags. Cameras are allowed.
Are signs, balloons, air horns, or poppers allowed? No. Items that obstruct views or disrupt the ceremony—such as helium balloons, air horns, poppers, and similar items—are not allowed inside McCaw Hall.
Is food allowed inside the hall? Food and beverages are not allowed in the venue. Water bottles are allowed in the lobby.
What if I lost something in McCaw Hall If you realize you have lost an item while attending an event, please inquire with any of the usher staff or House Manager for assistance locating the item.
- Lost and Found items are taken to the Seattle Center Customer Service office inside the Armory. Call 206-684-7200 to inquire about a lost item. It may take between 24 and 48 hours for a found item to be transferred from McCaw Hall to the Customer Service office.

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 June 15, 2026