Parents

Prize Day

 
 

Prize Day 2024

List of 3 items.

  • Friday, May 31

    8:00 a.m. No Chapel

    8:35 a.m. Sixth Formers pack and clean rooms
    Regular day of classes for Second through Fifth Forms

    1:00 p.m. Sixth Formers are invited to the Webb Marshall Room for a dessert and to receive their charm or graduation tie

    4:10 p.m. Choir rehearsal

    5:00 p.m. Baccalaureate Chapel for students and faculty only

    6:30–10:00 p.m. Unscheduled time, free for graduates and their families
  • Saturday, June 1

    12:30 p.m. Choir rehearsal

    1:30 p.m. Sixth Form meeting with the Associate Head and Deans, Prize Day rehearsal—Chapel

    5:30 p.m.
     Reception for the Sixth Form, their families, and faculty—Headmaster's House
    This reception kicks off the Prize Day festivities.

    6:30 p.m. Form singing, awards, and announcement of form officers—Prize Day tent on the Circle 
    This event includes all Upper and Lower School students and faculty, as well as Sixth Formers and their families. Various awards will be announced, and Fifth Formers will serenade Sixth Formers in Groton’s traditional form singing.

    7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Dinner for the Sixth Form, their families, and faculty—Tent on the Circle

    11:00 p.m. Curfew – ALL students return to their dormitories (no extended curfew)
  • Sunday, June 2

    8:30 a.m. Sixth Formers pick up rosettes—Front of the Chapel 
     
    8:50 a.m. Sixth Form photo (in Prize Day dress)—Chapel Garth
    A form photo will be taken by Panfoto. To purchase this photo, visit Panfoto’s website.

    9:10 a.m. Choir rehearsal

    10:00 a.m. Prize Day Chapel service for Sixth Formers and their immediate families—Chapel
    Each graduate may invite three guests to the Chapel service. Additional guests should find seating under the tent in preparation for Prize Day Exercises.

    10:30 a.m. Prize Day Exercises—Prize Day tent on the Circle (unlimited seating for families and guests)

    12:30 p.m. Lunch for Sixth Formers and their families—Tent on the Circle

    1:30 p.m. Handshaking on the Circle
    A Groton tradition! The faculty line up in front of the Chapel to shake hands with Sixth Formers, who then receive handshakes and congratulations from the Second through Fifth Formers. While handshaking may last until late afternoon, it is a unique and memorable part of Prize Day.

Helpful Hints about Prize Day

List of 7 items.

  • Reserving Lodging

    You’ll find many Groton area lodging and dining options here. Please call to be sure businesses are open.
  • Invitations

    Families will receive formal Prize Day invitations in the mail in mid-April. For guests unable to attend Prize Day, we will be livestreaming the ceremony.
  • Photography

    A photographer will capture students receiving their diplomas and other photos throughout the day. A few days after Prize Day, you may download high-resolution photos from Groton School’s Flickr account.
  • Prize Day Dress

    Traditional Prize Day dress includes white dresses, white pantsuits, or white shirts worn with white dress pants, navy blue blazers, and graduate ties. Sixth Formers who choose to wear the traditional boater hat may purchase one through the school store. Before Prize Day, Sixth Formers will receive a gold Groton charm or a graduate tie.
  • Livestreaming

    A link to the Prize Day livestream will be available at irsc.yilunjianshe.com. The video also will be available afterward.
  • Accessible Seating

    Accessible seating is available. However, if you have specific concerns or would like more information about accessibility on campus, please contact Director of Parent Programs and Giving Kim Gerighty.
  • Parking

    Building and Grounds staffers will help guide visitors to parking. Guests who have accessibility needs or concerns may contact Kim Gerighty.
Questions? Please contact Kim Gerighty, Director of Parent Programs and Giving, at kgerighty@yilunjianshe.com or 978-448-7622.

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