Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Warriors in the Class of 2026,

Your years at Maine West are quickly coming to an end.  We are certainly going to miss this class, as they have thrived and helped to lead by example for our other students. This document contains all the information necessary for seniors and their families to plan for upcoming events.  In the event that there are any alterations, they will be noted on our Class of 2026 Tab on the Maine West Homepage and on our MWClassof26 Instagram page.

If you are interested in sending a shout-out (Senior Send-Off) to a senior (your student or to a friend), the deadline is April 25. This is an opportunity to share a message with a graduating senior that will be printed in the back of the commencement program.  See this form if you would like to celebrate this special moment with a personal message to a graduate.

You will also notice an advertisement from the Commencement Group attached to this document.  Please note this company is working in conjunction with Maine West and is selling flowers, t-shirts with all the graduates’ names, and other gifts.  You can pre-purchase items and pick them up in the lobby at the Rosemont Theater prior to the graduation ceremony.

In addition to our numerous celebrations, senior year also brings some events that are not endorsed by Maine West.  Typically, seniors participate in a “Senior Assassin” game that involves shooting other seniors with water pellets or water pistols. Please know that if a student brings any type of gun (toy, water, look-alike, pellet, Orbeez, etc.) on campus (in their backpack, car, etc.), we will proceed with a disciplinary response, which may include suspension and revoking the privileges that go along with senior year, including prom and graduation.  Similarly, participation in a “senior prank” that damages property, compromises safety or creates a mess for custodians to clean up will likewise meet with a disciplinary response. Our kids have been fantastic and we have not had this issue but we want to be clear about our expectations.

As we continue with our safe and respectful celebration of the Class of 2026, please know that while we are celebrating the end of our students’ time here, you will always have a place here at West.  We hope you are making plans to join us for the Homecoming Game on September 18, 2026; we always love to see and reconnect with our alumni!  Once a Warrior, always a Warrior!  

Thank you for your contributions to West over the past four years and thank you for celebrating safely while respecting yourself, others, and our space.

Last day for the Bookstore to accept checks from seniors is April 17.  The bookstore accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover and cash.

All senior financial obligations must be satisfied by May 2.

Great America Trip

• Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

• Time: 8:30 pm – 4:00 am @ Six Flags

• Cost: $100.00 (no season passes accepted)

• Sign up dates: 1/19 – 4/2 in the Bookstore

• ID and permission slip must be present at time of purchase.

• No payments will be accepted by phone

Last Day of Classes for Seniors

• Wednesday, May 13, 2026

• All Maine West materials on loan to students must be returned by May 13 (calculators, text books, etc).

Senior Honors Assembly 

• Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

• Location: Maine West Auditorium

• Time: 7:00pm

• All are welcome, but invitations will be distributed to those receiving awards by May 8.

• Event will be live streamed on our website.

Rehearsal (Mandatory) and Senior BBQ

• Thursday, May 14, 2026

• Rehearsal Location: Maine West Field House

  • Rehearsal Time: 9:00am

  • Marching numbers will be issued via email

  • Sr. Pic by flag pole immediately following

• BBQ at 10:30am

• Tickets to the commencement ceremony will be distributed (8 per student).

Senior Prom

• Friday, May 15, 2026 from 6:00 – 10:30pm

• Tickets will be on sale from 4/6 – 5/8 in the bookstore and online.  No tickets will be sold at the door.

• Cost: $65.00 per person – Warrior Fund is available for assistance.

• Outside guest tickets must be purchased ONLINE. This guest permission form must be submitted by 5/6 AND approved, at which time you will receive an email to purchase a ticket online for your guest.

• Venue: Chateau Ritz – 9100 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL

Senior Send Offs

• Give your student a special message in the commencement booklet.

• See this form for instructions. 

• Cost: Recommended donation of $5 per message.

• Maximum 3 messages per student.

• Maximum length of each message is 100 characters.

• Due by April 25

Commencement Flowers

• Pre-order is strongly recommended.

• You can pick up your pre-order at the entrance to graduation before the ceremony begins.

• Click here to pre-order flowers and graduation items

• Flier and QR Code for pre-ordering flowers and graduation items

Commencement Ceremony 

• Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 6:30pm

• Students should be at the Rosemont Theater between  5:15 – 5:30 pm.

• 8 Tickets per student – given out at rehearsal.

• Limited parking available

• Special seating arrangements – available to persons with disabilities (2 seats will be given to include one escort). Contact Denise Weijhner at [email protected].

Photographs at Commencement

• Provided by VIP

• Proofs will be mailed to homes after the event.