The next batch of Chieftains will take their first steps into adulthood Sunday afternoon, as Dowagiac Union High School hosts its 2017 commencement.

The ceremony will be at 2 p.m. at Chris Taylor Alumni Field, located on North Paul Street, Dowagiac. Parking will be available at the field, as well as at Union High, Patrick Hamilton Elementary and at the Pathfinders Alternative Education building.

Due to ongoing construction at the high school, parking in the school’s west parking lot will be limited, so people are encouraged to arrive early.

There is no cost to attend the ceremony.

Around 120 Union High seniors will turn their tassels Sunday, joined by eight students with the Pathfinders program. Among the Class of 2017 are 36 students who will graduate with high honors, and another 22 with honors.

“This class has been full of a lot of quality students,” said Principal Kelly Millin. “I’m proud of everything they have been able to accomplish. They have been a great group of kids to work with. I will miss them.”

The school has lined up several speakers for Sunday’s
ceremony. Superintendent Paul Hartsig will open the ceremony, followed by remarks by school board president Larry Schmidt, Salutatorian Kayla Cromer and Valedictorian Douglas VanTuyle.

The ceremony will also include performances by the high school choir and band.

In the event of rain, commencement will be moved inside to the high school gymnasium. The district will decide by 10 a.m. Sunday where the ceremony will take place, with announcements posted online on the district website and Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as on the electronic sign outside Patrick Hamilton.

Like with previous ceremonies, Millin expects a packed house Sunday, regardless of the venue.

“It’s the day that everyone in the class has been looking forward to,” Millin said. “We want everyone to come out to celebrate and enjoy the moment, and enjoy seeing the seniors begin their next step.”