For as long as anyone can remember, the annual commencement ceremony has been held at the Palace of Auburn Hills – indoors. Of course, with the closing of the Palace, that all changed and it was announced that the commencement ceremony would now be at DTE Energy Music Theatre.

Graduation hasn’t been held at an outdoor venue for decades, so much of the staff has had to re-learn how to work at the graduation ceremony in order to accommodate the new setting.

Every graduate received 12 tickets in the pavilion at the mandatory senior meetings in April. Additional lawn tickets can be requested. All seating is first-come, first-serve, and every attendee must have a ticket to be allowed into the venue. Most notably, seats cannot be saved for late-comers.

As of press time, guests will enter through the East Entrance, while graduates will enter through the West Entrance.

Different from past ceremonies, things like flowers, balloons, and signs will not be allowed inside the venue, since it is outdoors. In addition, food and drink will not be allowed to be brought inside. However, water will be on sale at various concession stands.

Principal Tom Lietz warned that plans are subject to change leading up to graduation day, but that the details would be worked out by the day of the event.