Graduation day is quickly approaching. Along with this milestone come many activities and end of the year procedures. Please read this information carefully, adhere to important dates, and follow all procedures to ensure a successful conclusion to this school year.

2026 Timeline & Due Dates
Cap & Gown Orders Due Now 
All caps and gowns must be pre-ordered and paid for through Jostens. If you have not ordered your graduation items, there is still time, but please be sure to do so as soon as possible at jostens.com. If you have any questions regarding caps/gowns, please call Jostens at 630-963-3500. We are unable to collect money or distribute items unless they are pre-ordered and paid in full. 

April 13 – Graduates Select Time for In-Person Graduation 
Joliet West is hosting two graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2026. On April 13th, students will receive a link allowing them to select their in-person graduation session: Saturday, May 23rd, 11:00 am or 2:00 pm. The event sign-up closes on April 20th. Only students will be able to sign up for the event using their JTHS emails. 

May 6 – Senior Awards 
Everyone is welcome to attend. Parents and guardians will receive an invitation if their student is recognized at this event. 

May 1 – West Prom 
Bobak's Signature Events & Conference Center at Seven Bridges
6440 Double Eagle Drive
Woodridge, IL 60517

May 15 – Student Obligations
All obligations due should be paid online prior to picking up your cap and gown. Credit and debit cards are accepted for your convenience. If you have any questions regarding obligations/fees, please call the Textbook Center at 815-727-6993. 

Monday – May 18 – Senior Tailgate & Movie on the Football Field 
Staff will be grilling for the senior class before they go to the football field to watch a movie. 

Tuesday – May 19 – Last Attendance Day for Seniors 
Students should copy electronic files they wish to keep to a flash drive or a different non-JT account. All files are deleted at the end of the school year. Graduates do not have access to their JT account after graduation. All school issued devices, textbooks, uniforms, instruments, etc., must be turned in by this date.  

Wednesday – May 20 – Senior Dinner Dance 
*Students must purchase tickets to attend this event. 
Mansard Room  
301 Moen Ave. 
Rockdale, IL 60436 

Friday – May 22 – Cap, Gown & Ticket Distribution
Caps, Gowns, and Graduation Tickets are distributed. Each graduating student receives five (5) tickets. Final transcript request forms are available at senior check-out. Final transcripts are not sent automatically. One final transcript is sent free of charge; additional transcripts must be requested online. We will share check-out details once the plans are finalized. 

Saturday – May 23 – Graduation Ceremonies at 11:00 am or 2:00 pm 
Ceremonies will be held in the Field House. Graduates must report to the Main Gym 1-hour prior to the ceremony for staging and instructions. Ticketed guests are also allowed to enter at that time. Please allow enough time for heavy traffic and parking. We encourage you to travel with your entire party to limit the amount of traffic and ensure adequate parking. 

Only students who are on track to meet all JTHS graduation requirements will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. Please contact your student’s counselor if you have questions or concerns about their graduation status. 

Students receive empty diploma covers during their graduation ceremonies. Diplomas will be available for pick up beginning the week of June 8th. Any diploma not picked up will be mailed the following week. Only students who meet all JTHS graduation requirements will officially  receive an official diploma via mail. 

The Class of 2026 is a special group of students who have accomplished a great deal throughout their high school career. We hope graduation from Joliet West is a memorable moment in your student’s life, and we look forward to celebrating with you.  
 
Sincerely, 

Tecara Parker	Dr. Brett Marcum	Matt Narducci	Dr. Sean Hackney
Principal	Assistant Principal	Assistant Principal	Assistant Principal