We look forward to you joining us in celebrating the graduates of the Class of 2023. We recognize that this is a special day for you and your graduate. In preparation for these ceremonies, PCPS wants to ensure our senior families have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

General Information

  • This ceremony is important for all families. We ask that all guests are respectful during the entire ceremony, specifically during presentation of diplomas to ensure all graduates receive their moment of recognition.
  • Graduation is a formal ceremony. Any inappropriate action observed during the ceremony may result in immediate removal from the venue.
  • Graduation ceremonies at the RP Funding Center Jenkins Arena will have a live stream on Polk County Public Schools YouTube Channel.
  • Tickets are required for entry and are ceremony specific. Tickets will be collected at venue entrance.
  • The number of tickets per student will vary by school and is based upon the size of the graduating class.
  • Note that children that are three years old or younger will not require a ticket if they do not occupy a seat.
  • Since tickets are collected upon entry, please understand that we will not permit anyone to reenter if they leave the venue at any point.
  • Seating options for people with disabilities are available. Graduates should submit a request to the graduation coordinator/administrator for their school.

Arrival

  • We ask that guests park in the designated lots for that specific school ceremony. See below for appropriate parking lots for each school.
  • There are no parking fees.
  • Doors will open one hour prior to each graduation. See below table for designated entrance during arrival.
  • To ensure the safety and security of all graduates and their guests, standard safety protocols will be used to enter the facility.
  • Parents and guests are not allowed in graduate holding area prior to the ceremony.

Seating

  • Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Once entering the venue, proceed to seat location.
  • Groups planning on sitting together should arrange to meet outside of the venue and enter together.
  • Seat saving is not permitted.

RP Funding Guidelines & Prohibited Items

  • All guests are required to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined by the RP Funding Center.
  • Guests are prohibited from bringing any weapons on premise/grounds. Weapons include, but are not limited to firearms, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles, sticks, clubs, batons, pepper spray, tear gas and knives. Guests with concealed weapons permits are still prohibited from bringing weapons on premise/grounds.
  • In addition, the following items are prohibited at RP Funding: alcoholic beverages, outside food or beverages, beach balls and other inflatables, bota bags or wine skins, bullhorns/whistles or noise makers, confetti, helium balloons, coolers, drones, framed backpacks, glass bottles or aluminum cans, illegal or illicit drugs, laser pointers/pens, pets or animals (with the exception of service animals), selfie sticks, skateboards or rollerblades, stools or folding chairs, and water bottles or mugs.
  • RP Funding is a non-smoking facility.

Exiting

  • Parents and other guests will meet graduates outside the RP Funding Center after the ceremony.
  • Guests are not allowed on the floor during or after graduation.
  • Graduates are not permitted to leave graduation early.

Schedule & Parking

School: Date: Time: Parking Lot: Entrance Number:
Lakeland High School May 19, 2023 12:00 PM Red & Orange 2
Harrison School of the Arts May 19, 2023 3:00 PM Green & Purple 1
Lake Gibson High School May 19, 2023 7:00 PM Red & Orange 2
Haines City High School May 20, 2023 9:00 AM Red, Orange & Green 2 & 1
Davenport High School May 20, 2023 1:00 PM Green & Purple 1
Ridge Community High School May 20, 2023 5:00 PM Red, Orange, & Green 2 & 1
Kathleen High School May 22, 2023 12:00 PM Red & Orange 2
Mulberry High School May 22, 2023 3:00 PM Green & Purple 1
George Jenkins High School May 22, 2023 7:00 PM Red, Orange & Green 2 & 1
Tenoroc High School May 23, 2023 12:00 PM Red & Orange 2
Lake Region High School May 23, 2023 3:00PM Green & Purple 1
Winter Haven High School May 23, 2023 7:00 PM Red, Orange, & Green 2 & 1
Ridge & Traviss Technical Colleges (East & West Area Adult) May 24, 2023 12:00 PM Red & Orange 2
Bartow/IB/Summerlin May 24, 2023 5:00 PM Red & Orange 2

RP Funding Parking Map

RP Funding Center Parking Lot Locations: Red - North of Jenkins Arena; Orange - West of Jenkins Arena; Green - South of Jenkins Arena; Purple - South of Lime Street
  • Red Lot – North Side of Jenkins Arena
  • Orange Lot – West Side of Jenkins Arena
  • Green Lot – South Side of Jenkins Arena
  • Purple Lot – South of Lime Street