2026 Ottumwa Schools' Commencement Ceremony Information

Posted Date: 04/30/26 (03:45 PM)

Class of 2026

Ottumwa Schools' Commencement Ceremony Information

We invite you to celebrate the Class of 2026 from Gateway and Ottumwa High Schools! The graduation ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Ottumwa High School’s Schafer Stadium. We have arranged an exciting and memorable event for everyone, so please read all the important details:

Location: Schafer Stadium, 1401 E 4th Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501. The commencement ceremony will be held outdoors at Schafer Stadium. Guests are encouraged to plan accordingly for weather conditions and dress comfortably. Parking gates open at 11:30 a.m., and entrances open at 12:30 p.m. Handicapped parking is available. This venue will host our graduation and recognize this major milestone in our graduates’ lives. Tickets are not needed to attend. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Shuttle Buses: We encourage our families to use the off-site shuttle. To facilitate parking and ensure a smooth arrival for our guests, we have arranged shuttle vans from Ottumwa High School (OHS) on Fourth Street and the Dan Staggs Family Tennis Courts on Center Street to Schafer Stadium. These shuttles will be available at the OHS 4th Street entrance and tennis court locations before and after the ceremony, starting at 11:00 AM, providing a continuous shuttle service and convenient transportation for everyone attending.
Watch Online: View the ceremony live from anywhere on Sunday, May 17! The ceremony will be streamed on Bulldogs Network - viewable on smartphones, computers, and on Roku or Amazon Fire big screen TVs by downloading the free Thunder Country app.
Photo Booths: Capture joyful memories with your loved ones at our FREE photo booths. Families can take pictures together before and after the ceremony to create lasting keepsakes. The photo booths, located on the track, will be accessible to all guests before and after the event, so make the most of this opportunity. Please note that no public access to the track will be permitted during the ceremony.
Flower Bouquets: Ottumwa Schools has partnered with Edd the Florist to make your celebration even more special with convenient flower pre-orders! Place your order online before May 1. Edd the Florist will be on-site during graduation for last-minute floral needs and easy pre-order pickup.
Bulldog Gear: The Bulldog Spirit Co. will offer some of our most popular items. The Bulldog Spirit Co. will be open until the ceremony begins at 2:00 pm. You can visit the store during regular store hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, at 331 E Main St, Ottumwa.
Sign Language Interpreter: To make our graduation accessible for all, a professional sign language interpreter will be present throughout the ceremony, ensuring everyone can fully participate and enjoy this special occasion.
Noise Warning: Please note that there will be confetti cannons bursting at the end of the ceremony to celebrate our graduates’ achievements. This may be loud; we will provide a warning for those needing to leave the area.

As we honor the Class of 2026, we celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Gateway High School and Ottumwa High School students, and deep thanks to the families and educators who supported them.

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, May 17, 2026, and join us in celebrating this unforgettable milestone.

ottumwaschools.com