CLASS OF 2026 Announcements

Students must wear their caps and gowns while adhering to the Marion County Public Schools dress code.  Additionally, dress pants and dress shirt with tie, a dress or skirt and blouse or pantsuit are outfits that are recommended. We recommend that students do not wear high heels, as there will be a lot of walking.  No jeans, denim, shorts, flip-flops, slides, slippers, shower shoes, or athletic shoes will be allowed.  Students may only wear academically earned stoles and honor cords.  The academically earned stoles approved for the Class of 2025 are:  West Port Latin Honors Stole, Phi Theta Kappa Stole, and AP Capstone Stole.  Caps may not be decorated.  All other items must be left inside the WEC Expo Center.  Thank you for your assistance in keeping reverence of academic achievement the focal point of our graduation ceremony. 

 Tuesday, November 18th, Jostens Graduation Supply will make their final visit to deliver senior graduation package items.  

• Jostens will set-up in the East courtyard between the PAC and Guidance

• Jostens will be passing out package items between 9AM-1PM
• Jostens is doing this to accommodate OJT and Dual enrollment students who missed previous opportunities to pick-up their packages.
• This is not Cap/Gown delivery...cap/gowns will not be delivered until April.  If you ordered packages that include other Class of 2026 items/swag, only those items will be delivered on Tuesday, November 18th.

You can still order your cap/gown/tassel/medallion.  These are the only items you need in order to participate in graduation.  The cost of the cap/gown/tassel/medallion is currently less than $60.  You do not need to purchase an expensive package in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.  Please see the detailed direction below for guidance in ordering the most affordable cap/gown/tassel/medallion package.

 

Be advised, orders placed after December 1st will reflect a price increase.

Jostens.com

• We encourage you to place your cap/gown orders as soon as possible.  Cap and gown prices will increase after December 1st.

• Below you will find detailed instructions on how to order the MOST AFFORDABLE cap/gown/tassel/medallion package.  You do not need to order anything else in order to walk in graduation.  Also, you do not need to order an extra tassel or medallion.  This package comes with everything you need and nothing extra.  The current price is $65 after taxes and delivery.

• Please start by visiting Jostens.com
• Once on the website, please search and select West Port High School, Ocala, FL.
• On the next page, scroll down and select Graduation-Shop
• On the next page, scroll down to the bottom and select Shop All Graduation Products
• On the next page, scroll all the way to the bottom...look on the left hand side of the screen  and select Cap/Gown/Tassel/Medallion Unit under the Cap & Gown heading.

 

 

 

• Once you have selected the Cap/Gown/Tassel/Medallion Unit, you will follow the prompts to proceed to the checkout.  The website will ask you iF you want to add anything to your order.  YOU DO NOT NEED TO ADD ANYTHING, THIS UNIT COMES WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED.

• Your Cap and Gown Unit will be delivered to West Port in April.

 

MANDATORY GRADUATION PRACTICE

Date:  TBD--Grad Practice is MANDATORY for participation in the graduation/commencement ceremony 

• Parents/Family/Friends are not permitted to attend graduation practice or to enter Expo Cent #1--for the safety and security of our students, staff, and faculty, we do not permit parents to enter the Expo Center.

Time:  Seniors must arrive promptly at 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM Check-in.

• Normal, MCPS school day dress code will be observed during graduation practice. 
• Students SHOULD NOT wear their cap/gowns, regular school clothes will be fine.
• Our practice should end no later than 1 PM, hopefully sooner if we all work together efficiently!

Location:  Expo Center #1 at WEC (Please see maps below)

 

 

GRADUATION

• The West Port Graduating Class of 2026 will hold their commencement ceremony on:  TBD

• The processional will begin promptly: TBD

• Seniors will be seated in the WEC stadium and opening remarks will begin at:  TBD

• Seniors must arrive to the Parking lot of WEC Expo Center #1 at:  TBD  

• Only West Port seniors and faculty will be admitted into Expo Center #1. 

• Family members should use this time to secure parking and seats in the WEC stadium.

• This is a First Come-First Serve event.  Seating is ample but parking and traffic are ALWAYS a challenge.

• Limited Handicapped seating will be available on a first come-first serve basis.

 

 

Date: TBD

Time: TBD

Location: World Equestrian Center

Senior Arrival Time: Seniors must be in the parking lot by 5:45 AM to check-in

Procession: The procession from Expo Center #1 to the WEC Stadium (see map) will begin promptly at:  TBD

Graduation Time: Opening remarks will begin at:  TBD

Tickets: No Tickets--Seating is First Come First Serve--Handicapped Seating will be available--also first come first served.

 

Baccalaureate 

Date/Time:  TBD

Attire:  Graduates should wear the same attire as they will wear to the graduation ceremony, including their cap/gown (follow the dress code below)

Location: Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Students must wear their caps and gowns while adhering to the Marion County Public Schools dress code.  Additionally, dress pants and dress shirt with tie, a dress or skirt and blouse or pantsuit are outfits that are recommended. We recommend that students do not wear high heels, as there will be a lot of walking.  No jeans, denim, shorts, flip-flops, slides, slippers, shower shoes, or athletic shoes will be allowed.  Students may only wear academically earned stoles and honor cords.  The academically earned stoles approved for the Class of 2025 are:  West Port Latin Honors Stole, Phi Theta Kappa Stole, and AP Capstone Stole.  Caps may not be decorated.  All other items must be left inside the WEC Expo Center.  Thank you for your assistance in keeping reverence of academic achievement the focal point of our graduation ceremony. No jeans, denim, shorts, flip-flops, shower shoes, or athletic shoes will be allowed. This is a formal, celebratory occasion, and we must dress accordingly.