For Guests
We are excited to have you for commencement! Thank you for helping celebrate our graduates and for all the support you have given them along the way.
No ticket is required to attend Commencement. There is also no limit on the number of guests that may attend for each graduate.
Ceremony details
Ceremony Info
Date & Time: Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
Location: Great Southern Bank Arena (formerly JQH Arena) on the Missouri State Campus in Springfield
Adress: 685 S John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield, MO 65807
- Graduates will check-in for commencement at Hammons Student Center while guests should find their seats. Then, graduates will march from the main floor of Hammons Student Center to the main floor of Great Southern Bank Arena.
- When all graduates have entered the arena floor, the NHS principal will preside over the ceremony.
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The graduates will proceed to have their names announced and receive a diploma cover by one of the School Board members.
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When all names have been announced, the ceremony will end with a recessional of faculty and graduates out of the arena.
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Graduates will exit the ceremony out the Ramp on the Northeast Corner of the Great Southern Bank Arena. At that time, they will be able to pick up their diplomas and personal belongings. Family and guests can meet graduates outside then.
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Commencement Decorum
- Each person who achieves this goal might view it slightly differently. Students and their guests are asked to respect the rights of other graduates and not celebrate that achievement in a way that infringes on the rights of others.
- Commencement guests are requested to remain in their seats during the entire ceremony and to respect the rights of others to view the ceremony in its entirety without being distracted or having their view blocked by others.
- Please refrain from applauding except at times when invited to do so. Loud applause and cheers often cause the names of some graduates to be “drowned out.”
- Each graduate deserves equal recognition for his/her accomplishments.
- Guests will be allowed to applaud their graduates.
The awarding of a high school degree comes at the end of many years of hard work and dedication. The dignity of the degree and of the academic community should be recognized.
Thank you for your cooperation in observing these guidelines.
Parking
- Commencement parking is available in Lots 25, 54, Bear Park North and Bear Park South. Please visit the parking website for additional information.
Security Screening
- Doors to Great Southern Bank Arena will open 60 minutes before both ceremonies.
- For security purposes, guests will pass through security, upon entering Great Southern Bank Arena.
- It is preferred that guests do NOT bring bags with them.
Bag checks will take place for guests who bring any bag that is not clear/transparent.
After the Ceremony
- After the ceremony has concluded, Great Southern Bank Arena staff will direct guests to the nearest exit. We ask that all guests follow the direction of arena staff to exit the facility safely.
- Graduates will be escorted off the arena floor and directed to the northeast entrance (main entrance) of Great Southern Bank Arena.
Video and Photography
Photography
- Jostens will be taking individual portraits prior to the commencement ceremony in Hammons Student Center. No appointment is necessary and portrait sittings are free. You will be sent a free 5x7 photo following the commencement ceremony.
Video
- Nixa Public Schools will record the commencement ceremony and post it on YouTube.
Livestream
- The live broadcast will be available at www.nixapublicschools.net/graduation and on the Facebook event.