Niskayuna High School’s 68th commencement ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at MVP Arena in Albany. The program will take approximately two hours. Concession stands will not be available at the ceremony.
Graduation rehearsal
- Graduation rehearsal is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in the high school auditorium. Attendance at this rehearsal is mandatory for all participating students. If a significant conflict prevents attendance, students must notify Mr. Bianchi in advance to make alternative arrangements.
- Immediately following the rehearsal, caps, gowns, honor society tassels and academic medals will be distributed. These materials will only be released to students who have fulfilled all school obligations. This includes returning all Chromebooks, chargers, books and other materials.
Admission information for graduates
- Students are required to arrive at the MVP Arena Exhibition Hall by 5:15 p.m. for attendance and to organize in the processional line. Access to MVP Arena is available through the Beaver Street entrance, the main entrance, or third level in the parking garage.
Admission information for families and guests
- Admissions to the event is free and tickets or pre-registration are not needed.
- Graduation will be open seating at the event.
- Accessible seating is available on the top of each seating section.
- The doors to the MVP Arena will open at 5 p.m. for guest seating. Guests should enter from the main entrance on South Pearl Street.
- Parking will be available in the MVP Arena parking garage and in several private lots located near the arena.
- Guests will go through a security check from MVP Arena staff at the entrance to the arena. We strongly recommend not bringing bags to expedite entering the arena.
Livestream
- The ceremony will be live-streamed and will be available on the Niskayuna CSD YouTube channel. The livestream will begin approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony.
Accessibility
- American Sign Language interpreters will be available on site at the ceremony.
- There are numerous accessible platforms on the concourse level that are designed to accommodate guests in wheelchairs. These platforms are accessible by elevators at or near each of the entrance areas. If you are parking in the MVP Parking garage, the third level of the garage leads directly to the concourse level.
- Guests who have difficulty walking very long distances may be dropped off in the corporate lot on Market Street, located south of the arena’s main entrance. Parking is not allowed in this lot, but guests may be dropped off. If you would like to use this option, please request a “drop off pass” from Mr. Bianchi via email at vbianchi@niskyschools.org. This pass must be presented to the security guard at that lot. The pass will be included in the envelope given to graduates on rehearsal day when cap and gowns are to be distributed.
Photography
- Photographers from Genesee Photos will be taking photos of each graduate at the ceremony. Families will receive information on how to purchase these photos. Information about how to purchase the photos will be provided to graduates on rehearsal day.
If you have any questions, contact Mr. Bianchi at vbianchi@niskyschools.org or 518-382-2511, ext. 21759.