For local high-school seniors, this week will be a combination of the ending for a long journey and the new beginning for a new phase of life — formany that will mean college looming; for others it will be entering the military; for still others it may be entering the workforce.

But first, pomp and circumstance awaits each one.

East Bladen High School seniors will graduate Saturday, June 13, at 9 a.m. in the Elizabethtown Middle School gym. Students have already been issued their tickets for graduation. Doors will open at 7:45 a.m. and close promptly at 8:55 a.m.

Bladen County School’s Public Relations Director Valerie Newton said, “They chose to move to the middle school in order to accommodate additional ticket holders.”

As of press time, the top students were still being calculated, said Newton.

West Bladen High School seniors will graduate Friday, June 12, at 7 p.m. in the school’s gym. A ticket is required for admission to the ceremony and have been issued to the students. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and close promptly at 6:55 p.m.

As of press time, the top two students were still being calculated, said Newton.

Students at both schools will be allowed to wear stolls for such honors as National Beta Club, CTE, SADD, Dream Team and such. At both schools, honors such as magna cum laude, suma cum laude and such will also be recognized.

Newton said there are few things folks will want to be aware of as they prepare to attend graduation. Both schools are requiring those in attendance to have a ticket regardless of age.

Newton said that banners, flowers, pom poms, and such items will not be permitted inside the gym during either of the graduation ceremonies.

She said flash photography, standing or moving to video or take a photograph will not be permitted.

“However, Kinlaw Studio will be making DVDs of the graduation ceremony which will be available for purchase and professional photography company will provide individual graduation photos for purchase,” said Newton.

Erin Smith can be reached at 910-862-4163.