CLASS OF 2024

Keep up to date on Senior activities during the 2023-24 school year!

If you have any questions about graduation, please contact Starr Gray, Director of Student Activities.

Commencement

June 1, 2024

Video recording is here.

Thanks to John Thomas for camera work.

Diploma Presentation and Speaker photos here.

Photos by Dennis Mockel and Vincent Jurgens

Other photos (gym, field, quad)

Many more from Dennis Mockel photos here (password: dragons)

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We are excited to welcome graduates and their families to campus for this year's commencement!

Each graduate may invite up to 10 guests. Seven of the tickets, light green, will be assigned seating on the lower field (even though they say "open seating.") The additional three blue tickets will be for open seating in the bleachers.
Each graduate will receive one parking pass to park on campus.
Students received the commencement parking pass and tickets at the end of the commencement practice on Wednesday, May 29.

Parking and Transportation

Campus Parking - Due to limited parking space on campus, each graduate and their family will be allowed to park ONE car on campus. Gates will open at 7:45am and cars must present the parking pass at the gate to the Security Team. Additional guests can park at the satellite lots (see below) or take a ride share service.
Friend/Uber/Lyft Drop Off - We also highly encourage families to consider having a friend or paid car service provide drop-off and pick-up service to Commencement. This low stress solution avoids the complexities of parking and shuttle and ensures a smooth, safe arrival and departure after graduation. All cars dropping off individuals should do so at the 98th Avenue Drop Off Area. Commencement guests will walk up stairs to the Lower Field and present their Commencement ticket to the Security Team at the gate.
Neighborhood Parking - For safety and to respect our neighbors, we ask that families do everything possible to avoid parking in the neighborhood.
Satellite Parking and Shuttle Service - Additional guests can park at the satellite lots (see below) or take a ride share service.
- North of O'Dowd: Kaleo Church - 7700 Mountain Blvd, Oakland
- South of O'Dowd: Church of the Assumption - 1100 Fulton Ave, San Leandro
- Shuttle service will run from these locations 7:45am - 8:15am and will shuttle guests back to the parking locations after the Commencement Ceremony.
- Please note: The shuttles will drop guests off at the 98th Avenue turnaround. Anyone with mobility issues should arrive in the car parking on campus.

Logistics and Safety

During the two-hour ceremony, the seating is in the full sun on a turf field that heats up. Please be prepared for cool or warm weather. Bring layered clothing, hats, sunscreen, and your own bottle of water.
We will have portable restrooms for guests.
We ask that families carefully consider the health and safety of mobility-impaired and otherwise physically vulnerable guests. All friends and family who are unable to attend may watch the Commencement recording (see below).

Attire

Graduates are to wear their school-issued cap, zipped gown, graduation stoles, award pins and cords, and leis given by family and friends.

Accommodations

We strongly recommend that any person in need of assistance getting to their seat arrives in a car parked on campus. Our buses and lower lot drop off area will not properly accommodate anyone in need of mobility assistance.
When arriving on campus, please alert security at the gate that a person in your party will need assistance and they will direct you where to drop off your guest(s).

Video

Video recording will be here.

Baccalaureate Mass

All graduates and their families are invited to the Baccalaureate Mass on May 31 at 5:00pm in the Knauss Family Gymnasium. Join us as we celebrate the seniors in their last Mass at O'Dowd and pray for their continued success after graduation. To continue the celebration, a reception will follow the Mass.

Senior Slideshow here.

All 309 seniors!

Photos are here.

Senior Sunset and BBQ

May 22, 6:00-8:30pm

Celebrate the sun setting on your senior year at O'Dowd with your class. Come enjoy food, music and each other on the CES Patio. Bring your yearbooks and pens!

Senior Sunset photos are here.

Senior Sunrise photos are here.

Grad Night

Please read all information regarding the trip timeline and park policies.

On Thursday May 23, students are required to attend Period 1 and Period 2. Once Period 2 lets out at 10:40am, students will meet in the quad no later than 11:00am. We will be leaving O'Dowd around 11:30am. If students are not present for Period 1 and Period 2 on Thursday, they may not attend Grad Nite.

Apparel Policy
Park Policy states there are no school logos displayed on any clothing or bags. That means no O'Dowd outerwear, college affiliation, or pro team gear will be worn inside of the park.

Graduation Rehearsal

May 29, 1:30pm

All seniors are required to attend Graduation Rehearsal on May 29 at 1:30pm on the Lower Field. Students must be present to receive their Commencement tickets and parking pass.

Senior Class Gift

Join us in honoring and celebrating O’Dowd teachers!

The Senior Class Gift supports the Fund for Faculty Excellence, which provides professional development and assists in continuing to recruit and retain talented teachers.

We are proud to share that with family contributions and our generous grandparent match, senior families have raised more than $113,536 so far - thank you so much. Help us reach our goal of 100% participation with your gift today.

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O'Dowd Alumni Exit Survey

Seniors! We want to make sure you stay-up-to-date with O'Dowd! As we welcome you as the newest alumni in the O'Dowd community, please make sure to complete the Alumni Exit Survey by June 30.

Remember, you are Forever a Dragon.

College Counseling Reminders

May 1 is the deadline for the Statement of Intent to Register. Because of the challenges presented this year with the updated FAFSA, however, some colleges have extended this deadline, so make sure you are aware of the deadline for your college of choice.
Commit to one school only and we will send one final transcript only when transcripts are available in June. If you need to make a change to your commitment, please contact your counselor as soon as possible.
Remember to thank the people who wrote your letters of recommendation and update them on your college outcomes. They want to hear from you!
View more financial aid tips.

Senior Ball

May 18, 6:00-10:00pm

This year's Senior Ball took place at Scott's Pavilion in Jack London Square. The evening included dinner and dancing. This year's theme was Met Gala Heavenly Bodies.

Senior-Parent/Guardian Mass

Our beloved tradition of Senior-Parent/Guardian Mass took place on Thursday, October 12 in Knauss Gymnasium. This special Mass is a beautiful celebration honoring our seniors' final year at O'Dowd, and for some, their final year at home.

Photos are here.