Class of 2026

Seniors must have their 20 hours of service performed throughout the school year logged onto Helper Helper. 

Questions?
Please contact Mrs. Steinhart at jsteinhart@sja1840.org.

Time: 8:15-9:00 a.m.
Location: Shanahan Commons 

Students should bring caps and gowns home on this day and hang them up to avoid creases.

Seniors will take part in a special prayer service as they are commissioned for their Senior Service work and receive their lace from Le Puy, France, marking their induction into the Alumnae Association during a school-wide assembly attended by students, faculty, and staff.

After the ceremony, the class will gather to watch their senior slideshow and enjoy a pancake breakfast together.

Seniors will be dismissed by 11:30 a.m.

Attire: White graduation gown (no cap), with white or neutral casual clothing and shoes underneath.

Exam times, locations, and details will be communicated to students in advance.

Exam times, locations, and details will be communicated to students in advance.

Time: 10:00 a.m. 

Mass with lunch to follow. Formal invitation to be sent in April. 

Questions?
Please contact Mrs. Metzger at mmetzger@sja1840.org.

Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m. 
Location: Old Hickory Country Club 

Questions?
Please contact Mrs. Smith-Yelton at csmith@sja1840.org.

Senior service projects are the culmination of four years of service at St. Joseph’s Academy. These projects are scheduled at an approved agency for the final three weeks of senior year, and consist of a minimum of 84 hours.

Questions?
Please contact Mr. Finucane at mfinucane@sja1840.org.  

Time: 8:15-10:00 a.m.

The Celestine Reflection is the final graduation requirement following the completion of the Senior Service Project in May.

Named after the founder of the Academy, Mother Celestine Pommerel, the Celestine Reflection is a formal, cumulative interview where each senior, having reflected and prepared, presents how the mission, core values, and motto have inspired them to “go out and make a profound impact in the world.”

Attire: Seniors wear uniform and vest.

Questions?
Please contact Mrs. Niedringhaus-Hill at mnhill@stjosephacademy.org.

Time: 9:00-10:45 a.m. (seniors arrive at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: Wellington Gymnasium

The Baccalaureate Mass and Ceremony hold immense significance as we come together to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of our graduating class. It serves as a faith-filled moment of reflection, gratitude, and preparation for the exciting journey that lies ahead at graduation.

Attire: Seniors wear neutral dress shoes and formal white attire underneath their graduation gowns, no caps. Seniors will receive their class stoles upon arrival and will return them after the ceremony for safekeeping until graduation.

Tickets: No tickets are required for guests to attend Baccalaureate. Because seating at graduation is limited and each senior receives a set number of tickets, Baccalaureate offers a great opportunity for additional family members to join in celebrating the Class of 2026.

Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Location: SJA Outdoor Theater

Attendance is mandatory to walk at graduation.

Time: 6:00 p.m. (seniors arrive at 4:30 p.m.)
Doors open for guests at 4:30 p.m.

Location: SJA Outdoor Theater, weather permitting

In the event of inclement weather, we will notify families as soon as possible regarding a move indoors to the Wellington Gymnasium.

Tickets: Each senior will receive six guest tickets at graduation practice to distribute to family and friends. All guests must have a ticket to attend. Seating is provided, and there is no standing room available.

Requesting Extra Tickets (Immediate Family Only): If seniors need additional tickets for immediate family members (siblings or step-parents), we ask that they first check with classmates who may have extras. If they are unable to find any that way, they may then reach out to Ms. Hotop to request extra tickets specifically for immediate family members only.

We know graduation is a treasured celebration that many wish to attend. Unfortunately, seating is limited, especially if weather forces us indoors, and we want to be transparent about those constraints.

To ensure all families have meaningful ways to participate, we encourage extended family and loved ones beyond the allotted tickets to join us at the Baccalaureate Mass and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 17th at 9:00 a.m., which does not require tickets and is a beautiful way to honor your graduate.

The Graduation ceremony will also be livestreamed, with the link included in the Family Eblast.

Graduation Photos: A professional photo of each graduate receiving her diploma will be taken on stage. Ordering information will be shared with families closer to the event.

Livestream: Graduation will be livestreamed for extended family and friends who cannot attend in person. The link will be shared as we get closer.

Accessible seating and/or parking: We want to ensure guests who need accessible seating or parking are accommodated. If someone in your family requires these accommodations, please complete the short form linked below no later than Friday, May 1st. 

Graduation Accessibility Needs – Response Requested If Applicable
Please note that accessible seating and parking are limited, but we do our best to accommodate all requests. We will review these details and answer any questions during the mandatory graduation practice on Wednesday, May 20th.

Attire: Seniors should wear neutral dress shoes (please keep in mind that, if the ceremony is held outdoors, the processional and recessional will take place on grass) and formal white attire underneath their graduation gowns.

Graduation caps and tassels should be worn, along with NHS medallions, state medals, and honor cords.

Graduation typically wraps up by 7:30 p.m.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 with you!