Huntley's Class of 2012 Ready to Graduate

The day has finally come.

Huntley High School’s seniors will walk across the stage at the Sears Centre Arena Saturday to receive their diploma.

This year’s valedictorian is Kristen Allen and salutatorian is Madeline Bartot. Both are speaking at the ceremony, scheduled at 2 p.m.

Senior class representatives Rachel Bushnell and Brandon Becko will present the senior class gift.

This is the first year Huntley High is holding its graduation ceremony at the Sears Centre. Here are a few things families should taken into account:

• No flowers, balloons or other items are allowed in the arena. There are vendors selling those items inside.  Prices vary from $20 up to $40 for items like a stuffed animal inside a balloon. You can stash items in your car until after the ceremony.

• Huntley High officials ask families be respectful and not cheer until the end. This doesn’t always happen. If you do cheer, do it quickly so the next family can hear their graduate’s name read aloud.

• Arrange to meet your graduate in a specific spot after the ceremony because it can get hectic with everyone leaving at once. You don’t want to waste time searching for each other in the crowd. This will give you a chance to get photos with your graduate.

• Sears Centre is located at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway ain the Prairie Stone Business Park. Here are the directions provided by the centre from the west: Take I-90 East (the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) to the New Sutton Rd. (Route 59) exit. Turn left onto New Sutton Rd. and go north to the next traffic light. At the light, make a left turn into Hoffman Boulevard. The building will be on your right.

• Sears Centre has 3,200 on-site parking spots. If you don’t want to be out in the wild, arrive early. There are security officers on hand to direct you through the maze of graduates and people converging at the site. Lots are accessible off of Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Blvd. and Pratum Ave.

• There is a handicapped accessible area, just ask the ushers where it is located. Every seat has a good view of the floor and there is a jumbo screen.