Why are the 2026 Grad Events So Late?
Photo Credit: A.L. Fortune Secondary School
Prom in June? Grad at noon? Not quite how it used to be. This year, Hamber’s graduation plans have taken on a new look, reshaping how students will mark one of the biggest milestones of their lives. Prom has been moved about six weeks later than normal, and the graduation ceremony is taking place in the afternoon instead of in the evening.
“It’s weird how graduation is in the day because it is normally at night. Prom being on the last day is definitely something all grads are disappointed about because we feel that it will be more sad than wholesome,” said Kristin Poon (12). “I feel like Prom is something to be excited for, but it doesn’t seem as exciting when it’s actually your final goodbye.”
Lucy Samudio (12) echoed the same sentiment, sharing that the seniors “were all against it at first, because it’s like literally the last time we will see some of these people and we don’t want to be sad about it at Prom.”
Grad Committee 2026 teacher sponsor, Ms. T. Yip (Science), acknowledged concerns around the timing of events this year, but said the situation was largely outside of the committee’s control. She has been a teacher sponsor for the Hamber Grad Committee since 2019.
“Because the FIFA [World Cup] is being hosted in Vancouver this year, a lot of places were booked downtown,” Yip shared. “The Grad ceremony was pushed back a week, and everything else got shifted.”
Yip also has some concerns around the potential consequences of Prom taking place so late, including Grade 12s trying to feel festive while also being stressed about finishing last-minute assignments. There is also the possibility that international students won’t be able to attend because of travel plans, which could lower the overall attendance.
Mathieu Jung (12) is trying to see the pros and cons of the timing, especially since this year’s times and dates are set. On one hand, the seniors will have less time to prep and get dressed up for the graduation ceremony, but at least they’ll have more time to hang out together after getting their diplomas.
“I understand if [others] are upset with Prom being on the last day because us seniors have nothing to do, and basically we will be ‘wasting time’ just waiting because we already graduated. I think everything is okay and is going to end up well,” Jung said.
The timing of Prom and Grad has varied since 2020, with celebrations cancelled in the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and several different dates from 2022 to 2024. Prom tickets are now available on School Cash Online for $190.