Class of 2021 Graduation Information

Dear Senior Families,

We are excited for the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of your son as a member of the Class of 2021 at the Graduation Baccalaureate Mass & Ceremony next Friday, June 4th! The email below contains all information you will need to know regarding the Senior Events occurring next week.

Graduation Rehearsal – Wednesday, June 2nd, 8:00AM

• Rehearsal begins at 8AM in the gym.
• All seniors must be present at practice to walk in graduation.
• Seniors need to be in school dress code for practice (no shorts or sweats).
• If seniors notified us about a gown or cap that does not fit, it needs to be brought with them to practice. They will exchange it at the end of rehearsal. This exchange cannot be done on the day of graduation.
• Seniors will receive their graduation tickets for their family following rehearsal. Note: O’Dea will have the tickets for each graduate and your son’s ticket will not be included in the tickets you receive.

Baccalaureate Mass –  Friday, June 4th, 10:00AM @ St. James Cathedral

• The Baccalaureate Mass is for seniors, faculty & staff only. This restriction is due to the numbers allowed by the Cathedral with their COVID protocols.
• Seniors need to check in at school by 9:30AM with bring their cap & gown and take it to their mentor group classroom.
• Seniors need to wear their white shirt and O’Dea tie for the mass & graduation as well as dress pants and dress shoes. No tennis shoes are allowed.
• Masks will be required at all times.
• Honor cords will be handed out in their Mentor Group Classroom after Mass.

Graduation Ceremony – Friday, June 4th, 1:00PM @ T-Mobile Park
It is imperative for families to arrive on time to see their student graduate. We want everyone to feel comfortable finding their seats and settling in before they watch their student cross the stage, so we recommend arriving early. Parking is free in the Mariners Parking Garage on the day of graduation.

• There are a limited number of extra tickets available. These tickets will not be seated with your other tickets. Please contact Linda Thornton no later than Tuesday, June 2nd with any additional ticket requests.
• The gates at T-Mobile will open at 11:30AM.
• This event will be live streamed here.
• Everyone will go through a metal detector upon arrival. Please allow time for this process.
• Everyone MUST have a ticket. If you have lost your ticket, please go to Will Call.
• Masks must be worn at all times.
• NO BAGS OR PURSES ARE ALLOWED. This restriction is in place to speed up entry into the ballpark and minimize staff-to-guest cross contamination.
  • Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items, single compartment diaper bags (child must be present) or clutch sized purses that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″.
  • For the full list of prohibited & allowed items, please click here.
• Seniors will be given a blank diploma cover at the ceremony. An engraved diploma will be mailed to you after graduation. If there is a misspelling on your diploma, please contact Linda Thornton by June 25th.
  • There may be diploma holds for the following reasons:
    • Diplomas are not released until all athletic uniforms are returned and checked in by Coach Kohler.
    • Grades (Incompletes or failures).

Exiting T-Mobile Park
Please meet your family, graduates, and friends across the street at the Parking Plaza. T-Mobile parking staff will direct you to the Plaza.

34th Annual Senior Escape All Night Party – Saturday, June 5th, 10:00PM
This party is a night the graduates won’t want to miss! This is provided to your son at no cost. The destination is a surprise but a night full of fun and lasting memories. There is something for everyone and not a repeat of anything the graduates have experienced at field days, Spirit Day, or any other planned activity at their time at O’Dea.

• Parents will be provided with an emergency number to reach someone if needed.
• Graduates need to report to the O’Dea gym at 9:30 PM.
• Graduates will not be able to use their phones during the party.
• Masks must be worn at all times & COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.
• It is recommended that parents pick up their son at 5:30 AM at O’Dea. It is not recommended that they drive or that their cars be left in the parking lot overnight. We are not responsible for any theft or damage to cars.

This may be the last time they are all together as a class and their last O’Dea bus ride!  Alums from years past still come back and talk about what a great night it was. Please RSVP here by June 1st. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Thornton.