Class of 2026

In the event of inclement weather, our goal is to keep the ceremony outdoors. Graduation will be rescheduled in the following sequential order:

• Primary Date: Wednesday, May 20th at 6:00 PM
• First Alternate: Thursday, May 21st at 6:00 PM
• Second Alternate: Friday, May 22nd at 6:00 PM

*Important Note: In the event that all three dates are impacted by weather, the ceremony will be relocated to the Main Gym on Friday, May 22nd at 6:00 PM.

Graduates must arrive no later than 5:00 p.m. Upon arrival, they will be directed to the appropriate staging area for line-up and the processional march.

Families are strongly encouraged to carpool, as each graduate will receive one green parking pass. Only vehicles displaying a green graduation parking pass will be allowed to park on campus beginning at 5:00 PM.

Off-campus parking will be available at Prairie View Junior High School (8500 West 175th Street, Tinley Park) and at Moraine Valley Community College – South West Education Center (17900 S. 94th Avenue, Tinley Park). Complimentary shuttle buses will run continuously from both locations beginning at 5:00 PM. and continuing until 6:15 PM. Following the ceremony, return shuttles will operate from the stadium back to the parking sites until 8:00 PM. Shuttle service will drop off and pick up passengers at the South Gate of the stadium for convenient access.

Handicapped parking is available for vehicles with a State of Illinois handicapped placard and a graduation parking pass. Both must be displayed to access the designated spots. Golf cart transportation to the outdoor seating area is available upon request. Seating on the outside track is reserved for handicapped individuals with a graduation ticket, as well as one accompanying adult with a ticket.

Graduating students will receive three (3) black tickets and three (3) gold tickets at the end of their attended rehearsal on May 15, 2026. Both color tickets will gain admission to the outside ceremony at VJA. Only ticketed guests may enter through either the North or South Gates into the stadium. Gates open for seating at 5:00 PM. There are over 500 graduates, so please plan accordingly for traffic. Seating is based on a first-come/first-served basis. No one will be admitted without a ticket. We do NOT accept pictures of a ticket for entrance; only the school issued paper tickets are accepted. Please note: NO EXTRA TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE! If additional tickets are needed, seniors must check with other members of the senior class who may not be using all of their tickets. If we have inclement weather, ONLY THE 3 GOLD TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND THIS INDOOR CEREMONY. All guests should be seated by 5:50 PM. Ushers will only admit guests with a ticket. Babies, baby carriers, and young children will not be admitted without a ticket; nor are they allowed to sit on a parent’s lap in lieu of presenting a ticket. Due to space limitations, strollers are not allowed. The entire ticket must be presented at the entrance / door. Partial tickets will not be accepted for access. If you would like a ticket for memorabilia, you may ask for one as you exit after the ceremony.

The graduation ceremony will be available for live viewing on the Internet. Log on to the Andrew website and select the link.

The cap and gown is a uniform, and to break its uniformity is to destroy its significance. Gowns are delivered in a package. They should be neatly steamed prior to wearing them in the ceremony. The cap should be worn level on the head. Tassels should be worn over the right front quarter of the cap. The cap should be worn throughout the ceremony.

Only school issued honor cords may be worn at graduation. These include: Top 10%, 100+ Service Hours, German Honors, and Spanish Honors. National Honor Society distributes NHS collars to their graduates.

This is a formal event; students are asked to dress in formal or business casual attire. Due to field surface, high heels are not recommended. Any graduate who is dressed inappropriately, as determined by the supervising faculty, will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Graduates should not bring cameras, purses, etc. with them.

In order to maintain decorum and respect for all graduates and their families, balloons, noisemakers, air horns, etc. are not permitted and will be confiscated. Furthermore, no one is allowed in the aisles or on stage during the ceremony except the participants. Parents who wish to present flowers to honored graduates should do so following the ceremony. As in all District 230 school functions, use of tobacco or e-cigarettes is prohibited anywhere on school property.

Diplomas will be distributed to students after the ceremony. No diploma will be distributed to anyone other than to the actual graduate.

Andrew families of 2026 Graduates have the option to pre-order flowers and other gifts for graduation day. Our vendor will be on site and orders will be ready for pick up at the entrance before the ceremony begins. You may use this link to complete your order.

Grad Images will be the official photographer for the ceremony. They will be situated in a position to take three excellent shots of each graduate as they approach the stage and receive their diploma. Graduates, and their families, will receive their proof both by email and USPS following the ceremony. Because this service is provided, no one will be allowed near the stage for picture taking. Personal photos may be taken in the stadium of our school after the ceremony. Contact Grad Images through their website or call them at 800-261-2576 for additional information.

In a continuous effort to “go green”, Victor J. Andrew High School will provide each graduating senior with one copy of the commencement program in the envelope with their diploma. This not only guarantees that all graduates receive a program, but also reduces the waste we regularly experience at this event. There will be a limited supply of programs available at the entrances of the ceremony.

Coolers or other containers will not be allowed in the stadium or in the school. Also, we are unable to provide wheelchairs. If you, or someone in your party will need a wheelchair, please make your own arrangements.