• 2025 Senior Commercement 

    The Senior Commencement ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Saint Paul River Centre Roy Wilkins Auditorium located at 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

    TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATION CEREMONY.

  • Arrival Process and Lead-up to Day of Commencement:

    • Graduates should arrive at 4:30 pm for rehearsal. Please be on time for rehearsal.

    • Doors for guest seating will open at 5:00 pm ceremony start time for guests. All guests must provide a ticket upon entry.

    • Children aged 2 and under who will be sitting on an adult's lap will NOT need a ticket. All other guests will require a ticket for admittance.

    • The ceremony will run for about 90 minutes.

    • Ushers will help seat late guest arrivals at an appropriate time. Please have guests keep their voices to a low level out of respect for the graduates.

    • Hmong College Prep Academy has hired photographers and videographers to document the event.

  • Guest Seating:

    All guest seating will require an entry ticket. Students will be provided tickets from Hmong College Prep Academy. The student's entry ticket is their cap and gown. All other guests must present a ticket upon arrival, otherwise, they will not be admitted in. Please note that children aged 2 and under who will be sitting on an adult's lap will NOT need a ticket. This is a ticketed event and there will be no late/general seating. Additionally, we will not have seating in the lobby. Please have your additional guests watch the Livestream of the Commencement.

  • Graduate Line-Up:

    Graduates will line up in alphabetical order. Signage and staff will guide students backstage to rehearse. Only students are allowed backstage. We ask that families and guests remain in the lobby or take their seats. 

     

  • Processional:

    A staff member will lead graduates into the auditorium at the beginning of the ceremony. Graduates will follow the person in front of them in a single line. Additional staff members will help direct graduates into the proper row to be seated. Graduates are expected to stay until the end of the ceremony.

    During the processional, we ask that guests stay in their seats. We also ask guests to keep walkways clear in case of emergency. This allows for a smooth and safe ceremony for all participants.

  • Accessibility at Commencement:

    Commencement has accessibility services to ensure that all participants are able to celebrate with their loved ones. Reservations are recommended for accessible seating. Accessible seating will be available on the first floor of the auditorium. Please inform the ushers and they will direct you to the appropriate location. 

     

    Individuals requiring accommodations may have up to two guests seated with them. All other guests and visitors will be asked to sit in the general seating area.

     

  • ADDITIONAL GUEST INFORMATION:

    Where should I park?

    Parking: We recommend parking in the Saint Paul RiverCentre Parking Ramp located at 150 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102.

    • Seniors: This year the parking ramp has implemented a new parking system. After you enter the ramp and successfully park, you will need to scan the QR Code posted in the parking ramp. One code will be provided to you.

    • Parent/Guest: This year the parking ramp has implemented a new parking system. After you enter the ramp and have successfully parked, you will need to scan the QR Code posted in the parking ramp to process payment.

     

    What can I bring into the RiverCenter?

    Balloons/Flowers/Signs/Food: 

    Flowers are welcome, but outside food and beverages, signs, balloons, and noisemakers are not permitted in the building. Do not bring the items listed into the River Centre. You will be asked to bring them back to your vehicle upon ticketing. On behalf of RiverCentre there will be vendors inside the facility offering flowers and beverages for the event.

     

    Can I film the graduation or take pictures?

    Photography and Videography: 

    Hmong College Prep Academy has hired photographers and videographers to capture the Commencement Ceremonies. We recommend not leaving your seats to take photos or videos.

     

    Can I leave my seat after my graduate has walked the stage?

    Please Stay in Your Seats: 

    We ask that guests stay at their seats during the processing, ceremony, and reception. Please do not stand in walkways or enter/exit the Auditorium repeatedly, unless you need to access the bathroom. This movement and noise can be distracting to graduates and their guests and can be heard on the livestream. 

     

    Where do I meet my graduate after the ceremony?

    After the Ceremony:

    It is recommended that all parents head to the Kellogg Lobby. Seniors will receive their diplomas and then be directed to this location (Kellogg Lobby) to meet the guests. 

     

  • Questions: 

    For questions regarding Commencement, contact our Events team at eventsteam@hcpak12.org