JW Mitchell HS Graduation Information
JWMHS Graduation Coordinator
Assistant Principal – Jill Cortier: jcortier@pasco.k12.fl.us
Senior Events & Information
Senior Photos
Senior Photo Deadline for the yearbook was November 1st.
Students can still take senior photos with Gigante productions.
Senior Fees
Senior Grad Fees Breakdown:
Senior Fees are $100 and cover the following (Items are not available a la cart):
- Venue
- Cap, Gown and Tassel
- Diploma
- Diploma Cover
- Graduation Programs
- Graduation Medallion
- Graduate Memento
- Commemorative Program
Cap & Gown Info
Graduation Gowns: We have ordered all caps and gowns for students. Please do not order a second cap and gown from Herff Jones. Please carry your cap and gown into the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. We will not have extra gowns on hand. Make sure that you bring yours to the ceremony. Gowns are to look like they did when received from the company. Nothing extra may be added to them.
Graduation Cap: The mortarboard (graduation cap) is to be worn flat with the tassel over the right eye. Once the seniors are declared graduates, the tassel is moved to the left side in unison with the class. Mortarboards are to look like they did when received from the company. Nothing extra may be added to them, nor can they be decorated. We will not have extra caps or tassels on hand. Make sure that you bring yours to the ceremony.
Caps and Gowns have been ordered for all Seniors. They will be distributed on the second day of Graduation Practice (Friday May 30th) and Senior Check-out if all debs are clear and a student is eligible to walk in the graduation ceremony.
Senior Timeline
Stay knowledgeable by checking the updated Senior timeline, which includes all senior events and activities. Your support ensures a memorable final year for your child, so be sure to mark those dates and secure the current fee.
Class of 2025 Timeline:
- Grad Bash – Friday, April 11th at Universal Islands of Adventure
- Prom – Saturday, May 3rd, 6pm at The Motor Enclave
- Night of Excellence – Wednesday, April 23rd, 6:30pm in JWMHS Gymnasium
- Hall of Excellence Dedication – Thursday, April 24th, 6:30pm in JWMHS Gymnasium
- Students who are taking online classes must have assignments and DBAs completed no later than Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 11:59PM and exams completed no later than Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:59PM if they intend to participate in the June 4th graduation ceremony.
- Senior Scholarship and Recognition Night – Thursday, May 22nd, 6:30pm in JWMHS Gymnasium
- Senior Breakfast – Thursday, May 29th, 9:00am at Spartan Manor
- Graduation Practice and Senior Checkout
- Wednesday May 28th & Friday May 30th, 8:25am-1:30pm in JWMHS Gymnasium
- Graduation – Saturday, June 8th, 8:30pm at The Yuengling Center
Grad Bash
Buy your Grad Bash Ticket on Rycor NOW.
Each ticket is $150 and includes transportation and the ticket to Universal Studios.
Grad Bash will be held on Friday, April 11th.
Senior Breakfast
All senior students are invited to attend the annual Senior Breakfast that will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Spartan Manor (6121 Massachusetts Avenue, NPR 34653) at 9AM. Students will be required to dress in business casual attire. This would include dress pants, dress shirt with tie, socks and dress shoes, specifically closed shoes (no sneakers, sandals, flip flops, etc) for boys. For girls, a dress or skirt and blouse or pant suit. Jeans, shorts, shirts without a collar, tennis shoes, and flip-flops will not be permitted and students will be sent home to change if they come to the event dressed in this manner.
Graduation Practice/Senior Checkout
Graduation Practice and Senior Checkout will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 8:25AM – 1:30PM and Friday, May 30, 2025 from 8:25AM – 1:30PM at J.W. Mitchell High School. Attendance on both days is MANDATORY for participation in graduation. Senior Checkout will be conducted on both days, with final checkout held on the second day. Students should not plan on leaving until 1:30PM. Students will not be allowed to leave any earlier than 1:30PM. Only students who properly checkout and attend graduation practice will be able to participate in the Graduation Ceremony or receive diplomas. The administrator in charge of graduation (Mrs. Cortier) MUST review and approve any extenuating circumstances. Students must be dressed according to the Pasco County School District Dress Code. Students will be sent home to change if they are out of dress code and this may jeopardize their participation in graduation. Caps & Gowns are distributed on the second day of Graduation Practice and Senior Checkout to those who have come for both days. There is no exception to this policy.
During Graduation Practice and Checkout, students will be receiving a final notice of debts. These will be due on the second day of practice, Friday, May 30th PRIOR to receiving the cap and gown (which will be distributed only on May 30th at the end of practice).
Graduates
Graduation Status
Students, it is important that you check that you are meeting or have met all graduation requirements and know where you stand in terms of graduation status. Please review your graduate plan and ensure that the requirements are met. If you would like to meet with Mrs. Cortier or Mrs. Olds to check your status, please email Mrs. Olds at sold@pasco.k12.fl.us
Students will be informed by their school academic advisor if their graduation status changes. If a student is no longer eligible to graduate per the standards set by the State of Florida and the School District of Pasco County, then he/she will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Diploma Distribution
Once the ceremony has concluded all graduates will be directed out of the Yuengling Center through the Corral the same way they entered the building—inform your family/friends of this to make for an easier reunification process. Diplomas will be distributed in the Corral by alphabet in the same way that students lined up behind the seating for guests. Students who have officially checked out can receive their diplomas and participate in graduation. Only students meeting the behavioral requirements at graduation will receive a diploma. After receiving your diploma, please exit the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. We recommend having a pre-arranged meeting place set with your family.
Behavior
Graduation is a momentous occasion not only for the seniors, but also for their parents, families, and friends. For that reason, the ceremony is to be held with dignity and courtesy to others. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate for the occasion, which includes walking across the stage. All participants must comply with the Pasco County Student Code of Conduct. Inappropriate behavior will result in both students and parents/guardians having to meet with the school administration prior to receiving a diploma.
Improper noises and distractions will not be permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, noisemakers such as bullhorns, air horns, whistles, cowbells, and firecrackers, etc. Do NOT bring in beach balls, silly string, or any item that would be deemed inappropriate. We ask that you request family and friends to remain seated throughout the ceremony, except when it is appropriate to stand (during the Pledge of Allegiance, for example), as a courtesy to other graduates and their families and friends. No one, other than graduates and designated guests, is permitted in the seating area for graduates.
Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not receive his/her diploma and/or will be turned over to appropriate law enforcement officials. As this is a School District of Pasco County event, alcohol will not be permitted inside of any of the areas in the University of South Florida Yuengling Center dedicated to the graduation ceremony.
Arrival
Please be advised that the time of arrival for the graduation ceremony for students is 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours) prior to Graduation. This will coincide with early afternoon/evening traffic that is very heavy based on the location of the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Please plan appropriately when leaving your homes and give yourself more than enough time to arrive without incident. Once students and staff have left for the beginning of the ceremony, late students will not be permitted to enter the seating area for graduates. This is University of South Florida Yuengling Center’s security policy and will be strictly enforced. All graduates must enter through the Corral which is located near Gate A at the southwest corner of the Yuengling Center. Once inside the Corral, students will be directed to the appropriate check-in table to pick up their reader card. Please see the map below for additional information. 
Security and Bag Policies for USF
- No weapons of any kind, no outside food or beverage, no backpacks or other large bags.
- Personal bags must be smaller than 12”x12”x12”. These are subject to search upon entry.
- All cameras are permitted with the exception of professional cameras with larger lenses.
Seating & Tickets
Seating is unlimited in the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Tickets will not be necessary as a result. No one, other than graduates and designated guests, is permitted on the floor partitioned off on the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Floor seating is only permitted for invited dignitaries, graduating seniors, band members, faculty and staff, and other invited guests. All of these people will have tickets in order to go to the floor and will be listed on pre-approved lists provided to the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. No one else is permitted on the floor of the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Those who need handicapped seating would be advised to enter in at Gate A, where there are elevators available. There is handicapped seating available throughout the Yuengling Center. There is also reserved seating for the hearing impaired. Upon entering the Yuengling Center, all people in attendance will be searched by security per Yuengling Center policy.
Dress Expectations
Dress Code for Graduates: Dress pants and dress shirt with tie, a dress or skirt and blouse or pantsuit are recommended outfits. If wearing pants, wear matching/dark socks with dress shoes. No sneakers, sandals, flip flops, etc. are allowed. We recommend that students not wear high heels, as there will be a lot of walking and stair climbing. No visible “bulky” jewelry, scarves, ribbons, etc. are permitted.
Personal Items: Leave purses, cameras, and personal items with a parent or friend in the audience; they may not be taken in during the processional. Flowers or corsages are NOT permitted.
Graduation Gowns: We have ordered all caps and gowns for students. Please do not order a second cap and gown from Herff Jones. Please carry your cap and gown into the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. We will not have extra gowns on hand. Make sure that you bring yours to the ceremony. Gowns are to look like they did when received from the company. Nothing extra may be added to them.
Graduation Cap: The mortarboard (graduation cap) is to be worn flat with the tassel over the right eye. Once the seniors are declared graduates, the tassel is moved to the left side in unison with the class. Mortarboards are to look like they did when received from the company. Nothing extra may be added to them, nor can they be decorated. We will not have extra caps or tassels on hand. Make sure that you bring yours to the ceremony.
Failure to comply with the dress policy may result in the student not being permitted to participate in the ceremony. Security will do a visual search and wand of all of the graduates and any guests to the University of South Florida Yuengling Center.
Online Classes Completion
Students who are taking online classes must have assignments and DBAs completed no later than Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 11:59PM and exams completed no later than Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:59PM if they intend to participate in the June 4th graduation ceremony.
Ceremony Information
Graduation Program
Program will be uploaded prior to the ceremony
Venue Information
Welcome families, friends, and guests! We know this is an exciting time for you and your graduate of J.W. Mitchell High School. Commencement ceremonies are held at USF (University of South Florida) Yuengling Center. For GPS, please use the physical address of the Yuengling Center: 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa, FL 33617.
All bags brought in by guests will be searched. All guests will walk through metal detectors and will be wanded by security staff. No backpacks will be permitted in the University of South Florida. Cameras and binoculars will only be permitted if they are out of their cases (the cases should be left in the car). No professional camera equipment will be allowed in the arena.
Balloons, flowers, signs, noisemakers of any kind (including, but not limited to, bull horns, cowbells, whistles and air horns), or laser pointers will NOT be allowed in the University of South Florida.
Concessions at the University of South Florida may be open before the ceremony begins. Food and drink can be purchased for guests only.
Hearing-impaired services are available. Please contact Mrs. Jill Cortier if you need this service.
Security and Bag Policies for USF
- No weapons of any kind, no outside food or beverage, no backpacks or other large bags.
- Personal bags must be smaller than 12”x12”x12”. These are subject to search upon entry.
- All cameras are permitted with the exception of professional cameras with larger lenses.
Seating & Tickets
Seating is unlimited in the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Tickets will not be necessary as a result. No one, other than graduates and designated guests, is permitted on the floor partitioned off on the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Floor seating is only permitted for invited dignitaries, graduating seniors, band members, faculty and staff, and other invited guests. All of these people will have tickets in order to go to the floor and will be listed on pre-approved lists provided to the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. No one else is permitted on the floor of the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Those who need handicapped seating would be advised to enter in at Gate A, where there are elevators available. There is handicapped seating available throughout the Yuengling Center. There is also reserved seating for the hearing impaired. Upon entering the Yuengling Center, all people in attendance will be searched by security per Yuengling Center policy.
Schedule
Ticket Information
Seating is unlimited in the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Tickets will not be necessary as a result. No one, other than graduates and designated guests, is permitted on the floor partitioned off on the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Floor seating is only permitted for invited dignitaries, graduating seniors, band members, faculty and staff, and other invited guests. All of these people will have tickets in order to go to the floor and will be listed on pre-approved lists provided to the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. No one else is permitted on the floor of the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Those who need handicapped seating would be advised to enter in at Gate A, where there are elevators available. There is handicapped seating available throughout the Yuengling Center. There is also reserved seating for the hearing impaired. Section 113 is reserved for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing as this section provides a clear view to the ASL interpreters in front of the stage. Please note that section 113 is reserved only for the first 30 minutes after doors have opened—once 30 minutes has elapsed the section is open for general admission. Upon entering the Yuengling Center, all people in attendance will be searched by security per Yuengling Center policy.
Livestream
The graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 8:30PM. It will begin promptly at 8:30PM. Seniors are to report at 7:30PM to the University of South Florida Yuengling Center in Tampa in order to line up for the ceremony. Please follow the signs upon entering the University of South Florida Yuengling Center, as they will direct students and guests to the areas in which they should go. Students should enter at the Corral, which is to the left of Gate A or the Gate A Annex. There will be a livestream of the ceremony with the web address on the JWMHS and Pasco County Schools website.
Photo Opportunities
Gigante Productions (813-907-1078) will photograph each senior individually upon receiving his/her diploma and congratulations from the principal. Purchase of these photographs is optional. Gigante Productions will notify seniors via mail when the pictures are ready and all questions regarding these pictures should go to Gigante Productions. Please make sure that your address is correct with J.W. Mitchell High School, as that is the address that we will provide to Gigante Productions. J.W. Mitchell High School does not receive any of these pictures or information following graduation. https://www.giganteproductions.com/
Please do not hire or engage any outside organizations to film or photograph your graduate. Photographs and video of the graduates and ceremony are done by Gigante Productions and a copy of the video of the ceremony can be purchased. More information regarding will be forthcoming.
Parking & Security
There is a $13.00 charge for parking, and it will be done by credit card only. There are parking areas around the University of South Florida Yuengling Center. Disabled parking is located at Gate A and Gate D, Parking Lot Area 22F. SECURITY AND BAG POLICIES FOR USF
- No weapons of any kind, no outside food or beverage, no backpacks, or other large bags.
- Personal bags must be smaller than 12”x12”x12” and are subject to search upon entry.
- All cameras are permitted except for professional cameras with larger lenses.
Presale Parking Information
- For each of the ceremonies there are 300 PRESALE tickets ONLY per graduation per USF.
- Anyone who does not purchase a ticket after the 300 are sold can purchase one on the day of the ceremony via credit card only.
- There is MORE THAN ENOUGH parking for everyone who will want to attend, and everyone will get to park who wants to park and everyone will get to purchase a parking ticket who wants to purchase one. This is a USF policy.
- Patrons must find the date and time of their graduation ceremony and purchase the parking ticket.
- Of note, if they purchase a parking ticket for another ceremony, they will have to rebuy parking and WILL NOT be reimbursed.
