2025 Ottumwa Schools' Commencement Ceremony Information

Posted Date: 4/28/25 (9:25 PM)

Class of 2025

Ottumwa Schools' Commencement Ceremony Information

We invite you to the grand celebration of the Class of 2025 from Gateway and Ottumwa High Schools! The commencement ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the beautiful Bridge View Center. We have planned an eventful and memorable day for everyone involved, so please read on for all the important details:

Location: Bridge View Center, 102 Church St, Ottumwa, IA 52501. Lobby doors open at 11:30 am, exhibit hall opens at 12:30 pm. This venue will host our graduation ceremony and commemorate this significant milestone in the lives of our graduates. Tickets are not required to attend. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Overflow Seating: Due to a large graduating class, we will offer overflow seating in the theater at the Bridge View Center. This seating option will be available after the ceremony begins. Overflow guests will be seated in the theater once the graduates move to the exhibit hall, around 2:15 pm. The ceremony will be available for viewing in the theater through the live stream.
Watch Online: Watch the ceremony live from wherever you are on Sunday, May 18! The ceremony will be broadcast on Bulldogs Network - viewable on smartphones, computers, and on Roku or Amazon Fire big screen tv’s by downloading the free Thunder Country app.
Photo Booths: Capture the joyous memories with your loved ones at our FREE photo booths. Families are welcome to take pictures together before and after the ceremony, creating lasting keepsakes to cherish for years to come. The photo booths will be accessible to all guests, so be sure to make the most of this opportunity. Our photo booths will be open until the ceremony begins at 2:00 pm.
Flower Bouquets: Ottumwa Schools has partnered with Edd the Florist to make your celebration even more special with convenient flower pre-orders! Place your order online before May 1. Edd the Florist will be onsite during graduation for last-minute floral needs and easy pre-order pickup.
Bulldog Gear: The Bulldog Spirit Co. will offer some of our most popular items. The Bulldog Spirit Co. will be open until the ceremony begins at 2:00 pm. You can visit the store during regular store hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, at 331 E Main St, Ottumwa.
Sign Language Interpreter: We are dedicated to making our graduation ceremony inclusive and accessible to all. To assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, we have arranged for a professional sign language interpreter. They will be present throughout the ceremony, ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy this momentous occasion.
Noise Warning: We would like to warn anyone attending the ceremony who is sensitive to loud noise, there will be confetti cannons bursting simultaneously by the graduates to celebrate their accomplishments. This will take place at the end of the ceremony, and we will give a warning to those who need to leave the room.

As we gather to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025, let us reflect on the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have brought us to this day. It is a time to recognize the accomplishments of our graduates and the support of their families and educators who have played a crucial role in their success.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates from Gateway High School and Ottumwa High School. Your accomplishments fill us with immense pride, and we look forward to witnessing your continued success in the future. Please mark your calendars for Sunday, May 18, and join us in honoring the Class of 2025. We are confident that this graduation ceremony will be a memorable event that will be cherished by all.

ottumwaschools.com