Class of 2026

All grade 12 students should book an appointment.  These photos are used to make the Commencement PowerPoint and the Class of 2026 Composite.

Appointments start the week of February 17th.  Note, more timeslots will be added when this week fills up.

There are 2 types of appointments that you can book.

Option #1:

• Cost: $35
• What you get: 10 poses, 1 printed copy of the Class of 2026 Composite, and the option to purchase photos
• Note: One of the poses is for the photo we use at commencement as you cross the stage

Option #2:

• Cost: Free
• What you get: Nothing ….. but we use this photo at commencement, and you will be included in the Class of 2026 Composite.

How to book your appointment:

1. Go to BookMyGrad.ca
2. Select ‘Book graduation photos at your school’, and enter the school code ‘WDD’
3. Select your option, ‘Classic Sitting’ or ‘Composite Sitting’
4. Book an appointment

Commencement Celebrations 2026

All grade 12 students in the class of 2026, regardless of their graduation status, are invited to this year’s commencement celebrations.  Please take some time to review the information below.  We are still updating information as we receive it.

Commencement Ceremony

Date: Monday,  June 22, 2026

Time: 4:00 pm start time (3:00 pm arrival)  Please note:  Due to construction on Main St. in Hamilton, traffic is significantly slower then normal.  Please adjust your timing accordingly.

Location: First Ontario Concert Hall (Formerly Hamilton Place), 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton

Fee 

The commencement fee is $85.  This fee helps defray the following costs:

• Cap & Gown (students keep both items)
• Venue Rental
• Decorations
• Class of 2026 Lunch, being held on June 2nd

The fee is paid via School Cash Online.  The deadline to pay the commencement fee is the end of February.  If you are unable to pay via School Cash online, please get in touch with Ms. Morrison in Student Services.

Phone: 905-689-6692 ext. 3812 Email: [email protected]

Financial Assistance 

Money should never be a barrier for students to participate in school events.  Should families require financial assistance, please contact Mr. Gregoriou in Student Services.

Phone: 905-689-6692 ext. 3816 Email: [email protected]

Caps & Gowns

When families pay the commencement fee, using school cash online, you will be asked to select your gown size.  Please ensure that you have paid your fee and selected your gown size before the end of February.  Caps and gowns will be distributed at the Class of 2025 Lunch.  Questions about caps and gowns should be directed to Ms. Morrison in Student Services.

Phone: 905-689-6692 ext. 3812 Email: [email protected]

Commencement Packages

Commencement packages will be available for pick up at WDHS in August between the hours of 8:30 am and 1:30 pm.  These packages will contain: the photo taken by Edge Imaging (at the commencement ceremony), a class composite (for those who opted for graduation pictures through Edge Imaging), a diploma/certificate (for graduating students), an official transcript, and any awards the student may have received.

Valedictorian

The Valedictorian nomination form is available in the Guidance Class on the HUB (see the news announcements).  The deadline to submit a nominee is TBD.  Voting to select the valedictorian will take place at the Class of 2026 Lunch.

Other Events

Prom 2026                                                                             Class of 2026 Lunch

Date: May 1, 2026                                                                  Date: June 2, 2026

Cost: $90 WDHS Students, Guests $100                              Cost: Included in Commencement Fee ($85)

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.                                                 Time: Periods 4 & 5

Location: Liuna Station                                                          Location: WDHS (cafeteria)

We look forward to seeing you at the ceremony.

Mr. D. Zuccolo 

Phone: 905-689-6692 ext. 3815 Email: [email protected]

Prom 2026  

Date: May 1, 2026  

Cost: $90 WDHS Students, Guests $100 

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. 

Location: Liuna Station 

Aldente Dentistry Award for Music Excellence (Link to application)

• This award is presented to a student who, throughout their high school career, demonstrated artistic efficiency with their instrument or voice, exemplary leadership, support for school ensembles, and a passion for their musical development.

Chris Skinner Memorial Award (Link to application)

• This award is presented to a student who is:
  • actively involved in music, either in the school or community
  • entering post-secondary school in the fall

Grace Allen Memorial Award (Link to application)

• This award recognizes a graduating student who demonstrates themselves to be caring, considerate, and giving towards their school community
• Award Criteria:
  • achieved results to the best of their ability
  • earned a minimum average of 75% in their best 6 Grade 12 courses
  • is attending a post-secondary institution (College or University) in the forthcoming September
  • preference will be given to a student who demonstrates financial need

Jeremi Lindstrom Memorial Award (Link to application)

• This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated:
  • independent learning skills, a positive attitude, a friendly demeanour, and respect for others
  • a thirst for knowledge, love of reading, or interest in culture
  • interested in one or more of the following areas: literature, philosophy, history, politics, sociology, art, music or culinary arts

Lions’ Club of Waterdown, Maurice Laycock Award (Link to application)

• This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated:
  • Community service
  • Green initiatives
  • Quiet leadership

Rotary Club of Flamborough AM High School Bursary  (Link to application)

• The Rotary Club of Flamborough AM is pleased to offer two $500 bursaries for students graduating from WDHS
• One bursary is offered to a student who will be attending a university program, and one bursary is offered to a student who is college-bound or who has obtained an apprenticeship in a recognized field
• To be considered for a bursary, students must submit a completed application form by the May 29, 2025, deadline

Rotary Club of Waterdown, Cliff Lillicrop Bursary (Link to application)

• The Cliff Lillicrop Bursary is presented annually by the Rotary Club of Waterdown to a graduating student going on to college, a trade, or university.
• The following criteria are considered for the awarding of the bursary funds:  
  1. Volunteer/community service activities, if any 
  2. Leadership experience, if any 
  3. Work experience, if any 
  4. Post-secondary education plans 
  5. Financial need (summary of existing funding and expected shortfall) 
• Submit your document, outlining your experiences and background, to the correct dropbox in the Guidance class on the HUB

Waterdown Self Storage Leadership Award (Link to application)

• This award is presented to a student who, throughout their involvement in DECA, has demonstrated exemplary leadership and a passion for business.

Waterdown Self Storage Technical Award (Link to application)

• This award is presented to a student in Technological Studies who has demonstrated a conspicuous passion for Technology and Technical Trades

Notes:

1. The award recipients are selected by the community organization, not the WDHS Awards Committee
2. Award values are estimates and reflect the dollar amounts recipients received last year.
3. If an application requires a transcript, please email Mrs. Kennedy at [email protected]
4. When financial need is part of the criteria, it is important that you are specific about your financial position and any extenuating family circumstances.
5. Each of these awards has a separate application form and a separate dropbox in the Guidance Class on the HUB
6. The submission deadline is May 22, 2026, unless the award indicates an alternate due date