Get ready, Kaneland seniors–graduation is almost here, and Kaneland High School is gearing up to celebrate. Several events have been planned for the last week in May to help seniors bid farewell to KHS and say hello to college and careers.

“It’s really a time to celebrate together one last time and remember high school experiences,” assistant principal Diane McFarlin said.

The first will be the Senior Cruise on May 24, when seniors will board the Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier and set sail on Lake Michigan. The cruise will include a luncheon and dancing, and the $60 ticket includes the coach bus ride to Navy Pier. Buses depart at 8 a.m.

Seniors’ last day of school will be on May 26, with the traditional senior barbecue held to wish seniors well. This year, the barbecue will be free for seniors only, in order to control costs in the cash-strapped district. Faculty members and others will pay $3 for their meal. The meal, which features traditional hamburger and hot dog fare, will be catered this year.

Principal Gregory Fantozzi said that catering the barbecue was actually cheaper than having the high school staff do the labor themselves. Some Kaneland student clubs, including the Future Educators of America, have also donated money to help defray the cost of the barbecue to the district.

Later that day, graduation practice and the Senior Athletic Recognition Dinner will be held. Graduation practice is mandatory, and all seniors must report to the East Gym at 1 p.m. The dinner, which honors senior athletes who have earned a varsity letter this year, will be held in the cafeteria and auditorium. It begins at 6:30 p.m.

Seniors with academic achievements, community involvement and scholarships will be honored at Senior Awards Night on May 27. The valedictorian, salutatorian and top 10 seniors will be announced, and the Knights of Distinction will be recognized for their achievements as well-rounded students who have both academic honors and community involvement awards.

All 286 seniors will walk across the stage and graduate on May 30 at 2 p.m. Each graduate will be given six tickets and only those with tickets will be admitted to the ceremony. Six tickets are only allowed because of space issues, McFarlin said.

A solution is being discussed to find a bigger space for the future. Diplomas will be given out after the ceremony.

“I’m looking forward to graduation and dressing up since I didn’t go to prom,” senior Maddie Jarka said.

For many, it will be a bittersweet moment.

Senior Haley Johnson said she is looking forward to graduation, but she will miss her friends.

“I’m very excited to graduate because I’m excited to start new things. I’m going to miss the people that I’ve become close to throughout my high school years,” Johnson said.