For the first time, the CSS Neuse Museum will host graduation festivities for homeschool seniors who have finished the high school phase of their studies.

“Our goal is to provide a meaningful and affordable way for homeschool parents to celebrate their student’s graduation,” said Rachel Kennedy, program coordinator.

The registration deadline for those who want to participate in the homeschool graduation is Sunday, May 21. The graduation festivities will take place on Saturday, June 10. The link for registering to take part in the activities is https://forms.gle/eAprCwCDKbtNGNxE7 . The link for purchasing tickets is https://conta.cc/3VjiD3f .

The cost per graduate is $50. This fee includes a customizable graduation E-Invitation to the ceremony, brunch, the diploma and diploma cover, dinner, and the party. Professional photographer will be on hand to make photos of the graduating senior, as well as family photos. Senior Pictures and Family Pictures by professional photographer.

The family may attend the ceremony at no charge, but if family members wish to partake in brunch with their graduate, the cost is $10 per person, with a four-person limitation. The cost per family member to attend the dinner and party is $20 per person.

The schedule of events for the homeschool graduation follows:

• June 10, 2023 – 9 am check-in and meeting with graduates and families at the CSS Neuse Museum, located at 100 N. Queen St.

• 9:15 am to 10 am – Commencement Ceremony Practice

• 10:15 am to 11:15 am – Brunch at Olivia’s Catering, located at 110 E. Caswell Street.

• All graduates must return to the CSS Neuse Museum no later than 4:30 pm.

• 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm is time allotted for Senior Pictures with the photographer and backdrop

• 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm – Graduation Ceremony

• (Families may take more pictures after the ceremony.)

• 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm – Sit down dinner at Olivia’s Catering. The photographer will be taking candid photos during this time.

• 8:00 pm to 10 pm will feature the graduation party with Chris Raines as the DJ.

The photographer will send a link so participants can download and print their own photos.

For more information, contact is Keith Hayes at cssneusegba@gmail.com and/or Rachel Kennedy at Rachel.kennedy@ncdcr.gov

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.