Whether you’re attending the Arlington or Lakewood high school graduation ceremonies on Friday, June 5, school staff recommend you arrive early.

Arlington’s graduation starts at 7:30 p.m. at John C. Larson Stadium, but seniors need to report to the commons by 6 p.m., which is also when the gates open to families. The mandatory graduation rehearsal, during which students will receive their tickets, kicks off at 9 a.m. and will last an hour.

All guests over age 2 must have a ticket. Seniors will be given six tickets each. Non-ticket-holders will be directed to sit in the visitors’ grandstands. Families who do not plan to use all six tickets should contact the school, so they may be redistributed.

The school’s parking lots often fill up at least an hour before the graduation ceremony commences, so attendees are advised to arrive early.

Those requiring ADA seating may enter, with one family member, five minutes prior to the general opening of doors.

Valedictorians Connor Ghirardo, Leah Youngquist, Emily Beaton and Gareth Henderson will be speaking at graduation, while Bethany Tavenner and Jacey Wregglesworth will be speaking at the “Moving Up” assembly June 3, at 1:10 p.m.

Lakewood’s graduation ceremony starts at 7 p.m. in the gym, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Admission will be by ticket only.

Those who wish to reserve handicapped seating should call Stephanie Hoidal at 360-652-4506, ext. 2002.

The evening’s speakers are set to include LHS Principal Mike Curl, faculty representative Jeremiah Wohlgemuth, student representative Alec Burbee, Valedictorian Alex Cooper, Superintendent Michael Mack and LHS teacher Larry Delaney.

Prior to graduation, the school district will be conducting its Baccalaureate on Sunday, May 31, at 6 p.m. in the LHS theater, followed by the senior awards night on Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m. in the gym.

Lakewood expects to graduate as many as 150 seniors this year, while Arlington is on track to graduate more than 300.