Fort Dorchester High School
2024 Graduation FAQ
Before the ceremony
• What time should students arrive for graduation?
o Students report to the East entrance doors (see parking guide map, Skywalk) wearing their cap
and gown no later than 5:00 PM. Plan to arrive early on Saturday afternoons due to heavy
traffic around the Coliseum.
• What time may guests arrive?
o Guests may arrive at the Coliseum at 5:00 PM. However, the Coliseum will not open its doors
to guests until 5:30 PM. Guests will enter at either the North or South Entrance (see parking
guide map). Please try to carpool. Summerville High will graduate at 2 pm. Therefore, traffic will
be heavy upon entering the Coliseum.
• Will ceremony tickets or parking passes be issued?
o No, there are no restrictions on the number of attendees or vehicles at the coliseum.
• Is there general seating for the ceremony?
o Yes, seating is first come, first served.
• Will there be handicapped parking available?
o Yes, there are handicapped parking spaces available in each lot. You will need to notify the
Coliseum attendants upon arrival.
• What time will the graduation ceremony start?
o The graduation ceremony will begin promptly at 6:30 PM. We encourage all guests to be
seated no later than 6:20 PM.
• Are masks required for students and guests?
o No, the North Charleston Coliseum does not require masks.
• Can bags/purses be brought into the Coliseum?
o The Coliseum has a clear bag policy. No one will be allowed entry with a bag that is not clear.
Noisemakers, airhorns, etc. will not be allowed into the Coliseum.
• Who do I contact about issues with caps and gowns?
o Jostens at lowcountrygrad.com
• Can we decorate our caps, gowns, and masks?
o No. Caps, gowns, and masks may not be altered. Please refer to the dress code for further
details.
During the ceremony
• Will there be handicapped seating available?
o Yes. Handicap seating is available behind the graduates at the back of the Coliseum floor. You
will need to inform the Coliseum attendants upon arrival.
• Are noisemakers allowed inside the Coliseum?
o No. Guests will not be allowed to enter the Coliseum with noisemakers, air horns, cowbells, etc.
• Will the ceremony be livestreamed for online viewers?
o Yes, graduation will be livestreamed and available for future viewing after the event. Links to
these livestreams will be announced prior to the ceremony.
• Will there be pictures of the graduates receiving their diplomas?
o Yes. Tumbleston Photography will be present, taking close-up pictures of students as they
receive their diplomas from Mr. Aldredge. Please refer to the Tumbleston handout in the
graduation packet for more details.
After the ceremony
• What time will the ceremony end?
o The graduation ceremony will end at approximately 8:00 PM.
• Where will families be able to meet students after the ceremony?
o Students will exit the Coliseum at the East entrance, where they came in. Families are
encouraged to pre-plan a place to meet their students outside after the ceremony.
Tumbleston Photography
• How do I get pictures from the graduation ceremony?
o Text FDHSGRAD24 to 90738
o Tumbleston will notify you when graduation pictures are posted
o If you pay in advance, you will receive 10% off once your photos are ready
