Shady Side Academy announces graduation plans

Shady Side Academy officials are getting ready to welcome families and friends of the graduating class of 2024.

There is no limit to how many guests each of the 133 graduates can bring to commencement June 8 at Michael J. Farrell Stadium on the senior campus in Fox Chapel.

The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on McKelvy Field.

Students should report at 8 a.m. A class photo is planned for 8:20 a.m.

Speakers include SSA President Bart Griffith, class of 1993; Head of Senior School Trixie Sabundayo; SSA alumni council President Jim Ambrose, class of 2005; and The Neighborhood Academy Head of School Anthony Williams.

Student speakers will be announced a few days before the event.

Sabundayo said she expects a large crowd to cheer on the new alumni.

“Commencement is a wonderful reason to unite as a community and gives us the opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of the class of 2024 as they build their individual and collective strength of character,” Sabundayo said.

“Their myriad achievements reflect their nuanced, hard-won skills, like how they consciously try on different perspectives, think with empathy or act with a sense of responsibility in the best interest of the greater good. It is these triumphs of character that, in the end, pave the way for future success. Congratulations to Shady Side Academy’s class of 2024.”

Student dress code includes white trousers or dress shirt, coordinating tie, navy jacket, dress shoes and coordinating socks; white knee-length dress with sleeves and white or neutral shoes; white pants or white skirt with white blouse with sleeves and white or neutral shoes.

Traffic on Fox Chapel Road is expected to be congested. There will be signage indicating drop-off spots for students and guests.

People are encouraged to arrive early. The road to the quad will be blocked to traffic at 8:45 a.m.

Several spaces will be reserved for vehicles with state handicap placards and license plates. All seating areas can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, etc. Ushers will be available to assist guests.

Jenna Wallace, class of 2014, is handling official graduation photography.

Families will be able to receive a link to view and download the content from her website a few days after the ceremony.

The digital downloads are at no cost to senior families.

Commencement will be filmed by Nate Sherer Video, and a YouTube livestream link will be available for those who cannot attend in person.

An edited keepsake video of graduation will be available for digital download about two weeks after the ceremony at no cost to senior families.

More information about the academy and its programs is available at shadysideacademy.org.