Families urged to arrive early for graduation, mom says she was locked out at Fike High

As thousands of students prepare to walk across the stage at graduation ceremonies throughout the Triangle, school officials are reminding families to arrive early and stay informed about venue procedures.

2025-06-11

Most commencement ceremonies will take place between June 13 and June 18 in downtown Raleigh. Hosting venues include the Raleigh Convention Center, the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, and Memorial Auditorium in Meymandi Hall.

Last weekend, schools in other parts of eastern North Carolina, including Wilson Public Schools, held their graduations.

Shanitra Evans said she was kept out of her daughter’s graduation at Fike High School in Wilson.

“For her to work as hard as she did, and for me not to hear her name and see her walk across the stage, it hurt. It hurt real bad,” Evans said.

Evans said that she arrived about five minutes before the ceremony began and was told the building was already at capacity.

Evans said she didn't realize the doors would lock at 8:50 a.m., and wishes there was a more flexible policy. 

"I take accountability on that part. I've been checking in with my daughter on stuff, but I didn't confirm the exact time that we should have been there," she said. 

WRAL News reached out to Wilson County Public Schools for clarification on their graduation entry policies. The district responded with a statement:

“Graduates and family members were made aware through emails, phone messages, social media posts and the school's website that graduation began at 9 a.m. on June 7 and the doors would close at 8:50 a.m. The communication stated that all guests were required to be seated by the time the doors closed and no one would be allowed entry after the doors closed. This is not a new procedure. Law enforcement does assist with this process. The doors are closed at 8:50 a.m. for safety purposes and to limit interruptions.”

Wake County Public School Superintendent Robert Taylor said late arrivals will still be allowed into graduation ceremonies, though they may have to stand.

“If you come in late, then chances are you're not going to have a seat," Taylor said. "We would encourage people to be there early so we can give them the chance to see everything that's happening.”

You can see a full list of upcoming local graduation ceremonies and related information here.