Senior year may be the most memorable year of your high school experience. In addition to a course load of classes, there are many other special activities and requirements.

Senior project

With few exceptions, every high school senior attending a Sacramento City Unified School District high school must complete a senior project during the second semester of twelfth grade in English class. The senior project is intended to challenge abilities, stretch limitations, and provide a sense of accomplishment. See Senior Project for additional information.

Senior sunrise and senior sunset

On the first day of senior year, it is a longstanding tradition for seniors to gather at the varsity baseball field behind the school and re-connect with friends at sunrise. Likewise, the senior class will meet in the same place on the final day of class to say farewell.

Yearbook

Each year students may purchase a yearbook at orientation prior to the start of school. The price offered at that time is the very best bargain. The price increases once school starts, and usually monthly after that. Bring cash or a check to orientation so that you can take advantage of the lowest price. Yearbooks may also be purchased online at www.yearbookforever.com.

Some annual traditions for seniors that are featured in the yearbook include: photos with sibling(s) that attend CKM; humorous senior class awards such as “Most Likely to be President” or “Best Dancer;” and baby photos submitted by family members. The senior pages also include a personal quote beneath each senior portrait, and a signature (if desired). The yearbook staff diligently plans to feature each senior at least three times in the yearbook.

Senior portrait

Senior yearbook portraits are taken at Prestige Portraits. To allow sufficient time for each student’s session, students may receive a notice to schedule their portraits during the summer between junior and senior year. Currently, young men are photographed for the yearbook in black tie, and young women are photographed in a drape, both provided by the studio. A student’s yearbook portrait must be taken by the yearbook’s contracted studio. Additional personalized senior portraits are an option that many students choose.

Valedictorians and senior speakers

In the spring of senior year, CKM solicits student speakers for graduation. All graduating seniors are eligible to try out. Speeches are read before a committee of teachers so that there is a wide variety of speakers and themes. Valedictorians (up to two) are selected from the pool of students with the top grade point averages. Additional senior speakers (one at minimum) are chosen from the group of students who try out.

Graduation ceremony

McClatchy High School’s graduation ceremony traditionally takes place in June at the Memorial Auditorium at 16th Street and J in downtown Sacramento. A limited number of tickets are provided to each student. CKM staff advises a gentle reminder that high school graduation is a happy, yet solemn event and therefore noisemakers, air horns and the like are absolutely not allowed. The Senior Bulletin, published annually, has specific details.

Cap and gown

CKM contracts an outside service to provide the caps and gowns worn at graduation. The service is provided to CKM by Jostens and offers class rings, graduation announcements, and more in addition to cap, gown and tassel.

Diploma

The CKM Controller’s Office sells a handsome cardinal red diploma holder, embossed with the school’s name and sketch of the school for a nominal price. Be sure to purchase one during the Controller’s open hours.