Graduation Celebration FAQ

The graduation celebration for Liberty and Independence High Schools will take place at War Memorial Stadium on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

If you will be joining us, please read below for important information regarding the ceremony, seating, parking, shuttle buses, and drop-off areas.

GRADUATE DROP OFF

Graduates must arrive 45 minutes before the start of their ceremony (5:15 pm) and report to the Gymnasium at Lewis Flamson Junior High. Please drop off graduates in the Lewis Flamson Solar Parking Lot drop off area, which can be accessed through the alley way of 26^th street between the Municipal pool and Town House Motel. Please DO NOT drop off graduates along 24^th Street to reduce traffic congestion in that area.

GRADUATE EXPECTATIONS

• Graduates should only wear their pre-approved cap and gown with school-approved regalia.
• No leis (flower, money, etc.), flags, or unapproved items will be allowed in the ceremony.
• Graduates should ONLY bring keys to the ceremony. Cell Phones will not be allowed in the ceremony. Graduates will be provided with water prior to the ceremony.

ENHANCED SAFETY

To ensure that this momentous occasion remains safe, joyful, and memorable for everyone in attendance, we are implementing enhanced security measures for this year’s ceremony. All graduates, staff, and guests will be required to pass through metal detectors upon entering the venue.

We understand these extra steps can require a bit more patience, but the safety of our students, families, and community is our absolute highest priority. We appreciate your cooperation, respect for our security staff, and adherence to these guidelines so that we can keep the focus exactly where it belongs: on celebrating the incredible Class of 2026.

PARKING IN THE COMMUNITY

Please DO NOT park in the parking lots of neighboring businesses. If you choose to use street parking, please be respectful of all posted parking notifications. 

HANDICAP/ELDERLY DROP OFF

There will be a drop-off zone on 24^th Street near the south gate for handicapped and elderly persons only. Please limit this drop-off area to elderly and handicapped persons to avoid traffic issues on 24^th Street. There will be field-level seating for handicapped and elderly persons on the home side of the stadium, just inside the field fence. Seating will be limited to that individual and one accompanying party.

NORTH WAR MEMORIAL PARKING AREA WILL BE CLOSED

The parking area immediately north of War Memorial will be CLOSED to all for parking and drop off. Drop off for the elderly and handicapped can occur on 24^th Street near the south gate.

BEFORE THE CEREMONY BEGINS

The gates at War Memorial Stadium will open at 4:30 pm. The entrance for all family and friends will be through the gate on 24^th Street or the North Gate of Vine Street. Please be aware that the Lewis Flamson Junior High Quad Ramp will not be open for general admission.

Seating will be first come first serve. We ask for the courtesy of all in attendance to please remain in their designated seating area and refrain from using artificial sound makers throughout the graduation ceremony. For added safety, all ticketed guests will pass through metal detectors at the entrance gates, and all bags will be checked. Please plan to arrive with additional time.PHOTOGRAPHS

• A photographer will be on-site to take photos during the ceremony.
• Photos will be available for purchase after the graduation ceremony.
• A QR code for graduation photo purchases will be handed out at the gate.
• Additional photo information will be posted by Liberty High School and Independence High School.

LIVE STREAMING

The Liberty and Independence High School commencement ceremony will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person at the PRJUSD YouTube Channel.

ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME

This event is a Clear Bag event. Only clear bags or ziplock baggies no larger than 12”x12” will be allowed in. Backpacks, purses, and any other bags that are not clear, will not be allowed into the stadium unless they are smaller than 4”x8.5” (a small clutch is allowed). Diaper bags and Medical Equipment bags will be thoroughly searched.

Please do not bring posters, BigHeads, banners or signs that will obscure the view of others, including umbrellas. No Alcohol, balloons, airhorns, whistles, fireworks,or weapons of any kind are allowed.

SECURITY SCREENING AND ENTRY PROCEDURES

For added safety, all guests and all graduates will pass through metal detectors at the entrance gates. All bags will be checked. Please arrive early and allow extra time for the entry and screening process.

• All guests and graduates are subject to security screening before entering the graduation area.
• Anyone found with prohibited items will not be allowed to enter with those items and may be denied entry or removed from the event.
• Guests who bring a non-clear bag larger than a small clutch will be required to return the bag to their vehicle before entry.

HYDRATION, AND WEATHER

The weather in June can be very warm and sunny in Paso Robles. We STRONGLY encourage all in attendance to bring water and wear sunscreen. Water will be for sale. NO Ice Chests will be allowed in the stadium. Umbrellas and Shade Structures are NOT allowed. Unopened (factory-sealed) water bottles will be allowed but all other containers, regardless of content, will not be allowed unless totally empty, including refillable water bottles. No glass bottles and no outside food or drink is allowed.

DIPLOMA DISTRIBUTION

• Official diplomas will be available for pick-up after the ceremony at the Snack Shack, if they are not picked up, we will have them available at Liberty/IHS until Friday, June 12, 2026.
• Diplomas can only be distributed to the graduate with a photo ID.
• Graduates who violate the senior contract during the ceremony will have their diplomas pulled and will only be able to receive their diplomas after meeting with the Alternative Education administration.

CEREMONY EXPECTATIONS

Graduation is a formal school ceremony. We want every graduate's name to be heard and every family to enjoy the moment. Guests are expected to remain respectful, follow directions from staff and security, keep walkways and aisles clear, and celebrate in a way that honors every graduate.

We truly look forward to celebrating the Liberty High School and Independence High School Class of 2026!

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzales
Principal

Liberty High School and Independence High School