[ May 22, 2026 ] As Pickens High School prepares to celebrate the Class of 2026 this Friday, May 22nd at 6:30 pm (moved up 30 minutes to avoid inclement weather).

CEREMONY WILL BE OUTSIDE STARTING AT 6:30 PM

Whether you are attending in person or planning to watch from home, here is everything you need to know ahead of the big night.

Schedule at a Glance
5:00 pm - Graduates report to the New Gym/PAC entry.
5:15 pm - First round of off-campus guest shuttles begin departing.
5:30 pm - Campus opens / Access to Dragon Drive and PHS Stadium begins.
6:05 pm - Final morning shuttle departs for the stadium.
7:00 pm - Graduation Ceremony begins.

Primary Plan: Outdoor Ceremony
Location: Dragon Stadium (500 Dragon Drive, Jasper, GA 30143).
Tickets: There is no limit on the number of guests who can attend the outdoor ceremony. Light Rain: If conditions involve only light rain, the ceremony will proceed outside as planned.

Contingency Plan: Indoor Ceremony (Severe Weather)
If severe weather or unsafe conditions force the ceremony indoors, the event will move to the PHS New Gym. A final decision may not be made until Friday afternoon and will be communicated via email and school social media platforms.
Gym Doors Open: 6:00 pm
Strict Ticket Limit: Due to capacity restrictions, entry to the gym will strictly require a ticket. Each graduate receives 4 guest tickets (distributed at practice). Unfortunately, no extra tickets are available.
Shuttle Updates: If shuttle operations change for the indoor plan, updates will be posted on Friday, May 22nd.

Parking & Traffic Guidelines
Because the ceremony takes place at night, strict parking guidelines are in place to ensure pedestrian safety on campus.
No Roadside Parking: Parking alongside Dragon Drive is strictly prohibited. Walking on an unlit road in the dark poses a major safety risk.

On-Campus Parking Passes: Each graduate receives 3 parking passes. To access Dragon Drive, your pass must be clearly displayed on the driver's side dashboard upon arrival and remain visible throughout the event. Cars without a pass will be directed to an off-campus shuttle lot.

Handicap Parking: Located on campus at the tennis court parking lot (Golf carts and a MATS bus will assist with transit down to the stadium). Note: There is no handicap parking at the stadium level. To use this lot, vehicles must display BOTH a state handicap placard and a PHS graduation parking pass.

Off-Campus Shuttle Locations
Guests are highly encouraged to utilize the free, air-conditioned school bus shuttles. Shuttles will drop guests off near the old field house at the Stadium Ticket Booth Entry Level. Three rounds of shuttles will run before the event (5:15 pm - 6:05 pm) and will resume at the end of the ceremony (estimated 8:30/9:00 pm - 9:45 pm). No shuttles will run after 9:45 pm.

Pickens Junior High School: Shuttles load on the gym side of the school. (Handicap accessible lot).

Chattahoochee Technical College: Shuttles load at the front entry parking lot (Burnt Mountain Rd. & Pioneer Rd.). (Handicap accessible lot).

Royston, LLC: Shuttles load at the main parking lot under the designated tent.

> Shuttle Reminder: If you plan to ride a shuttle back to your vehicle after the ceremony, please make sure to board within 30 minutes of the graduation's conclusion.

How to Watch From Home
If you cannot attend in person or if weather restricts gym seating, you can watch the entire ceremony live right here on KnowPickens.

Live Stream: Check the KnowPickens Facebook Page.
Television: Tune in to ETC Cable Channels 3 and 403.
YouTube: Look for better quality video on KnowPickens YouTube Later.