Class of 2026
As we gear up for the end of the year and all the exciting events, we’ve put together a document with all the happenings, main events, and a “here’s who to contact if you need more information” section.
The Class of 2026 has truly exemplified heart, spirit, faith, and an extraordinary sense of joy. What a magical class of students!
May 2026 Calendar of Events
Senior Class Event Contacts
Senior Exam Week:
Dr. Maryanne Berry — berry@cardinalnewman.org
Mrs. Catherine Eggleston — eggleston@cardinalnewman.org
Senior Awards & Graduation
Mrs. Mary Euphrat — euphrat@cardinalnewman.org
Senior Boards & Celebration
Mr. Perrin Cheney — cheney@cardinalnewman.org
Baccalaureate Mass
Mrs. Marie Rodnick — rodnick@cardinalnewman.org
Yearbook
Ms. Atalie Halpin — halpin@cardinalnewman.org
Grad Night
Mrs. Crystal Davis — cnoperationgraduation@gmail.com
Junior and Senior Prom: A Night in the Roaring Twenties
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Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 6:00–10:30 PM |
Guest Passes: Guest passes can be picked up in the Main Office or from Ms. Lukins. Completed passes must be returned no later than April 15 by 3:00 PM.
Prom Expectations and Policies: Please review CN's Dance Policy, which can be found on page 55 of our Parent-Student Handbook.
Commitment to Alcohol-and-Drug-Free Dances: Smoking/vaping, alcohol or drug use, inappropriate dance behavior, and inappropriate dress are not permitted. Students suspected of being under the influence will be subject to the school’s Substance Abuse Policy. All attendees may be breathalyzed upon arrival and departure by CN staff. Students who fail an initial test will be retested immediately; if they fail the second test, parents/guardians will be contacted for immediate pickup.
Class of 2026 Event Schedule
Senior Awards and Senior Boards
AP Exams: May 4–May 15
Please see the AP Exam Schedule from the College Board.
Senior Awards Practice (Mandatory for all Seniors): Tuesday, May 5
- Practice will be held during Advisory in the Gym
- Seniors will meet near the ACC
Senior Awards (Mandatory): Tuesday, May 19 | 5:30 PM
Senior Awards will be held in the gym. Parents and guests are encouraged to attend.
What to Wear for Senior Awards
Men: Graduation gown, shirt and tie, slacks, dress shoes
Women: Graduation gown, appropriate dress or skirt and blouse, sensible heels or flat shoes
All: No mortar boards
Senior Final Exams: May 18–May 21
Senior teachers will provide students with the exact order of their final exams.
Monday: E Day – Tuesday: D Day – Wednesday: C Day – Thursday: B Day – Friday: CBSL Board Day.
All financial obligations must be current to take exams. Students must remain on campus for their finals and must be on time.
Senior Boards and Celebration: Friday, May 22
- Senior Boards will be held during class periods throughout the school day.
- If you would like to observe the CBSL Service Project presentations or be a judge, please contact Mr. Cheney: cheney@cardinalnewman.org.
What to Wear for Senior Boards
Professional business attire. Women’s dresses should be no shorter than fingertip length.
Graduation Practice & Baccalaureate Mass
Mandatory Graduation Practice: Thursday, May 21 | 10:10 AM
Students will gather at 10:10 AM near the ACC to line up and prepare for graduation practice.
Baccalaureate Mass: Friday, May 22 | 5:00 PM
St. Joseph Catholic Church, 150 St. Joseph Way, Cotati
The Baccalaureate Mass is an opportunity for us to thank God for the senior class and to ask for His blessings on their future endeavors.
- All seniors must attend and should arrive no later than 4:30 PM to line up for the procession.
- Students with special roles in the Mass must arrive at 4:15 PM.
- Due to space limitations, attendance should be limited to the Class of 2026, their families, and faculty. Seating is first-come, first-served.
What to Wear for the Baccalaureate Mass
Men: Graduation gown, shirt and tie, slacks, dress shoes
Women: Graduation gown, appropriate dress or skirt and blouse for church, sensible heels or flat shoes
All: No medals or honor cords, no mortar boards
Commencement and Grad Night
Commencement: Saturday, May 23 | 6:00 PM
Cardinal Newman Stadium Field
- Seniors must be present by 5:15 PM and gather near the ACC to line up.
- Guest Entry begins at 4:30 PM. No tickets will be issued. Seating is limited.
- Families may save no more than ten seats per graduate. If seats are saved before 4:30 PM on the day of graduation, the signs will be removed. Personal chairs or blankets are not allowed in front of the already set-up chairs.
- To help preserve the dignity of this special occasion, families are asked to refrain from bringing confetti, air horns, megaphones, large cutouts (including “big heads”), or other noise-making devices. These items can distract from the ceremony, and we want every graduate to be honored in a way that reflects the significance of this milestone.
What to Wear for the Graduation Ceremony
Men: Graduation gown, shirt and tie, slacks, dress shoes
Women: Graduation gown, appropriate dress or skirt, blouse, flat shoes, or wedges (heels are not allowed as they may damage the turf)
All: Pins, medals, honor cords, and mortar board with tassel on the right side. Mortar boards may be decorated with your next step (college name, trade, or military).
Special Note: We expect our graduates to show respect for themselves, the school, our faculty, staff, and their families at this event. Conduct that violates the dignity of the occasion will be addressed appropriately. School policies regarding tobacco, alcohol, and drugs will be enforced.
Safety Note: We remain mindful of past tragedies connected to graduation parties. Please speak with your graduate and other parents about providing safe, alcohol- and drug-free graduation celebrations.
Grad Night: Saturday, May 23 | 8:30 PM–2:00 AM
Epicenter, 3215 Coffey Ln, Santa Rosa, CA
Check in: 8:30–9:00 PM | Students must remain until 2:00 AM
Grad Night Code of Conduct and Waiver
What's in store? An incredible evening of fun at Epicenter featuring:
- Food, beverages & desserts
- DJ, Magician, Hair Tinsel & Henna
- Bowling, Basketball Courts, Games, and everything Epicenter has to offer!
More details — including ticket pricing, what students may bring, rules, and consent forms — will be shared once we return from Easter Break. Stay tuned! Talk to your graduate about this epic night. We keep the details secret so the students have a fun surprise. This is a Cardinal Newman tradition that has a very high attendance every year; last year there was 100% participation.
About Grad Night
Grad Night is a special, parent-led celebration organized by Operation Graduation, Inc. (EIN: 39-3650802), an independent 501(c)(3) organization with a clear mission: "To provide graduating seniors with a safe, fun, and sober celebration, ensuring they create lasting memories in a responsible and supportive environment."
Our dedicated Grad Night committee and Cardinal Newman parent volunteers work year-round to make this event a tremendous success. Through fundraising and generous community support, Operation Graduation helps offset ticket costs so every senior can participate in this unforgettable experience. Cardinal Newman proudly works in tandem with Operation Graduation Inc. to support and promote this mission.
Want to Help?
This is a 100% parent-run event. If you would like to donate or sponsor Grad Night, please reach out to our committee — every contribution goes directly toward making this night special for our seniors.
Questions? Contact us at cnoperationgraduation@gmail.com