Commencement provides an opportunity for YES Prep students, teachers, families, and friends to celebrate the graduating class as they earn their diplomas. Commencement is not only a celebration but also a culmination of current secondary students' typical seven-year YES Prep experience, beginning in the sixth grade.

2023 YES Prep North Forest Commencement

The 2023 Commencement Ceremonies will take place:

• Date: Saturday, June 3rd, 2023  
• Time: 12:00 p.m.  
• Location: Bayou City Event Center (9401 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77045) 

Students must be at the location by 10:00 a.m. (2 hours before the start of the ceremony)  

Commencement Schedule

• 10:00 a.m. - Seniors are dropped off at Bayou City Event Center  
• 10:30 a.m. - Rehearsal 
• 11:20 a.m. - Doors Open for ADA Guests
• 11:30 a.m. - Doors Open for all Guests.
• 11:55 a.m. - Doors Close to guests until after the processional.
• 12:00 p.m. - Commencement Ceremony
• 1:15 p.m. - Pictures outside with families 
• 1:30 p.m. - Depart Bayou City Event Center to allow the next ceremony to arrive 

Senior Arrival

Seniors should arrive 2 hours minutes before the start time of their ceremony. 

Your family will drop you off through the Almeda Street Gate to the Bayou City Event Center when arriving. This gate is the first gate, immediately after the light at Almeda and Holmes going south from the South Loop (610). Seniors should arrive fully dressed in Cap, Gown, and Tassel. When you arrive, remain quiet as another YES Prep School's Commencement may still be in progress. Parents will not be allowed to park or enter the building as the prior ceremony will be in progress.  

Senior Attire

Seniors are encouraged to wear professional attire with their cap and gown.? Examples of professional attire include:? 

• Bottoms: Knee-length dress or skirt, slacks, dress pants, khakis (NO JEANS) 
• Top: Dress, Blouse, Button Down Shirt, Bowtie, Necktie. 
• Footwear: You will have to walk up and down a ramp and across the stage, so please consider appropriate footwear.?Block and wedge heels are encouraged for those wearing high heels. (NO STILETTOS)