Students » Graduation

Graduation

Riverdale High School 2026

Graduation Information

 

 

 

Where: Murphy Center on the campus of MTSU

When: TBD

Time: TBD

Tickets - No Tickets Needed - Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 

 

Graduation Practice is MANDATORY.

 

 

** Parking is at the student's expense. It's important for each student to be on time. 

 

Students will not be permitted to participate in the ceremony unless they have attended the entire practice.

 

 

Graduation Dress Code:

  • Boys – white shirt, with collar (long or short sleeve), tie, nice dress pants, nice shoes, no white socks
  • Girls – dress or skirts, or nice dress pants, shoes (any color). Be careful of high heels.
  • Graduation Caps – No writing or decoration will be allowed.
  • Gowns – No writing or decoration will be allowed.
  • Prohibited Attire: Jeans, shorts, tennis shoes, Crocs, flip flops, hey dudes, or any other trendy casual shoe, including Jordans & Nikes. 
  • If you need help with the dress code, please see your Assistant Principal or English Teacher.
 

Cap and Gown Orders: Josh Houston Company

We are now using a different company to supply your graduation items this year. The cap and gowns you will be wearing this year will be different, so you will not be able to use a sibling’s gown from a previous year.  Information cards for ordering, containing QR codes, were given to all students to direct them directly to the order location on their website.  That information can be accessed directly by visiting their website at www.JHACompany.com.

All graduates are required to order a cap and gown through the Josh Houston Company. You can order by visiting their website: www.jhacompany.com and clicking on Riverdale.

Contact: Coach Rivas - [email protected]

Graduation Ceremony Requirements

  • Meet the academic requirements for graduation
  • Meet the attendance policy for RHS & RC Schools
    • Students must meet the Senior Attendance Policy in order to be able to participate in the graduation ceremony. This requirement is met when a Senior has ten (10) or fewer unexcused absences from school. For questions regarding attendance, students should contact their assistant principal. 
  • Students must attend graduation practice. 
  • Students must order and have an RHS graduation cap and gown. 

 

If a student does NOT meet the Senior Attendance Policy requirements, how does s/he receive her/his diploma?

Students with more than ten (10) unexcused absences from school during their Senior year will be able to pick up their diplomas in the counseling office as early as the school day following the graduation ceremony, as long as all other graduation requirements are met.

 

May I purchase a cap and gown from a company other than Josh Houston? 

No. This is the company that Riverdale High School works with for graduation regalia, and a Senior participating in the ceremony MUST purchase their cap and gown from them.

 

What is the cost of the cap and gown, tassel, diploma, and diploma cover (the basic items REQUIRED for the ceremony)?

The cost of the basic package is around $80.00. 

 

Murphy Center:

Are there designated seating areas for individuals with disabilities and those using wheelchairs?

Murphy Center is ADA-compliant. For those with family members who may require ADA accommodations, there is an entrance located on the northwest side of the Murphy Center. From the Greenland Drive parking lot, please proceed down the right-hand sidewalk (between the Murphy Center and the tennis courts). Once inside, turn left at the first hallway and travel to the end. On the left-hand wall (around a small corner), there is an elevator that will take you to the seating area. In front of the main seats, there are several aluminum platforms for you and your family members. We kindly request that you refrain from having the entire family occupy these areas, as they are reserved for individuals using wheelchairs. Families may choose to sit in front of or behind these areas on the wooden bleachers.

 

Can parents and family members come on the floor before, during, or after the ceremony to take pictures?

No. Parents should ONLY use the upper-level doors and should NOT enter below with students.

 

Are there items/behaviors that MTSU does NOT permit in the Murphy Center?

Yes. Balloons, aerosol ("Silly") string, and air horns are NOT permitted in Murphy Center.

Additionally, MTSU is a smoking-free campus. Therefore, smoking is strictly prohibited in and around the building. 

 

What special regalia items are permitted for graduation?

 

Only RIVERDALE-approved regalia may be worn at graduation. This includes the following:

 

Graduate with Distinction - White Cord (purchased from Counseling in May by student/parent)

 

Graduate with Honors - Gold Stole (purchased from Counseling in May by student/parent)

Work Ethic Distinction Graduate - Green Cord (purchased through school cash online in May by student/parent)

Valedictorian Medallion and White Stole - provided by RHS

Summa/Magna/Cum Laude - medal (purchased through school cash online in May by student/parent)

 

Students are NOT permitted to wear regalia that may have been awarded from an outside society, company, or "club." This includes groups like the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS)