Brunswick Seniors’ Thoughts On The Later Graduation Date

Thoughts On 2026 Graduation

Sophia Smith, Associate Editor • November 18, 2025

Thoughts on Graduation graphic

After three years, it is time for Brunswick High School (BHS) seniors to experience their final year of high school. Many are counting down the day’s til seniors walk the graduation stage. However, this year it is even later that BHS seniors walk the stage, as the graduation date has been pushed back.

Recently a lot of information about purchasing caps and gowns, or senior yearbook photos are being shared. Some of this information includes the final day of school for seniors is: May 26, 2026. Last year the seniors had their last day on: May 13, 2025. This year, seniors have their last day pushed back 13 days.

This year, seniors only have one week with no school (except graduation practices and ceremonies) until the graduation date: June 3, 2026. Last year the class of 2024 graduated: May 28, 2025. Compared to this year’s graduation date—that is seven days later.

Graduation on May 28, at Mount St. Mary’s was a rainy day full of smiles. (Lauren Graziano)

This news has upset many Brunswick seniors as the dates to finish high school and graduate are pushed back. Many seniors expressed that this limits the time to have graduation parties for families and friends, and pushes back the Safe and Sane event, and senior traditions such as senior week, also known as “Sweek,” typically in Ocean City, MD.

Mrs. Demich, one of the senior class advisors, shared how she doesn’t fully know the reason for why graduation is pushed back.

“I think it could be because of how it is holiday weekend, but I am not one hundred percent confident,” Demich said. “It is later, but students don’t realize that a few years ago, graduation was in mid-June.”

There are many factors that go into determining the graduation date according to Brunswick High School principal Mr. Eric Schwarzenegger.

“FCPS Graduation dates are determined by the Central Office in working with Mount St. Mary’s University as the venue,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said. “Graduation dates are later this year due to a combination of factors that include the need to hold all FCPS graduations in a 5-day period over the course of the same week (1 day for setup and 4 days for all graduation ceremonies), Mount St. Mary’s Graduation date, and two holidays that occur the last week in May (Memorial Day and Eid al-Adha).”

Here are more concerns and comments from Brunswick seniors:

What is your opinion on graduation being later this year?

Caroline Teague’s smiles in the english hallway for a picture.

Caroline Teague, '26

“I don’t like it; it isn’t super fair compared to last year. I think it should be sooner.”
Colin Trendel with a bug on his shirt. Image used with permission from Colin Trendel (Sophia Smith)

Colin Trendel, '26

“It’s especially annoying for seniors who have Advanced Placement (AP) and [dual enrollment] classes who are done doing anything schoolwork related by early May.”
Phoebe Carpenter posing for a picture. Photo used with permission by Phoebe Carpenter (Sophia Smith)

Phoebe Carpenter, '26

“I’m disappointed by how late it is this year because it limits the time that I could devote to my summer and getting ready for college,” Carpenter said. “It’s hard for seniors who are starting a summer semester or are committed to sports because it gives them less time to enjoy their last few days before leaving.”
Edgar Escobar at Brunswick’s Prom 2025. Photo used with permission by Edgar Escobar. (Sophia Smith)

Edgar Escobar, '26

"Personally, I like the later date for graduation is just an opportunity for us to enjoy the high school years before we fully extend to our personal lives and college."
Melissa Charboneau on court about to serve a ball during a volleyball game. (Sophia Smith)

Melissa Charboneau, '26

“I would say that it is unfortunate to have graduation later due to some students having to go to college early, leaving less time for a transition into college.”
BHS Varsity Volleyball Caption, Isabella Brisbane, serving a ball, during “Dig Pink” night. (Sophia Smith)

Izzy Brisbane, '26

“I think it should be earlier, June is too late and we are getting out later than all the other seniors before us.
Jonah Miller at a cross country meet. Photo used with permission from Jonah Miller. (Sophia Smith)

Jonah Miller, '26

“Personally, I feel indifferent because [dual enrollment] classes will get out mid-May, and I don’t have any classes in the school.”

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