This year, the graduation tradition of senior students taking pictures with a teacher of their choice during the ceremony will be discontinued in order to streamline the graduation process.

The decision was made by senior class adviser Brandon Harle after receiving requests from the school district to “clean up” the process. Students will meet at the Town Toyota Center at 5 p.m. to have pictures taken by Parsons Photography with up to five staff members, if they so choose.

“It has to do with the logistics,” Harle said. “The stage of the Town Toyota Center isn’t big enough to do the things that we have been doing in the past … Every student will have their picture taken with a staff member if they choose. They can have that fun experience, they can have that picture, just before the ceremony.”

While many questions about the decision have been brought forward, reaction to the change has been mostly positive.

“I’ve had many students come up to me ask me about it, but I haven’t heard many complaints,” Harle said. “I’ve been going to every single [Contemporary World Problems] class to explain what the situation is in terms of the last week, their schedule, and rehearsal. I’ve been there to answer any questions they have.”

According a graduation information sheet Harle gave seniors, a senior class meeting will take place on Friday, June 5, after the seniors complete their finals. After the meeting, all seniors will have their individual photos taken by Parsons. Seniors are also advised that no decorations will be allowed on their caps and clothes are required under their gowns. They are also encouraged to “be smart,” the information sheet said.

The graduation ceremony will take place on June 6 with rehearsal beginning at 10 a.m. and the commencement march beginning at 7 p.m. at the Town Toyota Center. Graduation will be broadcast live on the Internet, but Harle does not have the link yet. The Apple Leaf will share it when it’s available.