June 9, 2026 – PRIDEfest, Juneteenth Celebrations & Class of 2026 Graduation Week

This episode covers the June 9, 2026 edition of News from the Nest, the newsletter of Lawrence High School.

📣 Community Announcements

PRIDEfest 2026 Lawrence Neighbors Together hosts the 2nd annual Lawrence PRIDEfest on Sunday, June 14. Free and open to everyone, rain or shine. Begins with a Fun Run, Walk, and Roll at 9 a.m., followed by live music, food, vendors, lawn games, and more. Questions? Email lawrenceneighborstogether@gmail.com.

EventDateTimeLocationLHS Black Student Union Juneteenth Celebration | Wednesday, June 17 | All day | Lawrence High School
Township Juneteenth Festivities (LHS Gospel Choir performs) | Thursday, June 18 | 10 a.m. | Lawrence Township Municipal Building
School Closed – Juneteenth Holiday | Friday, June 19 | — | —

The township event features Congressman Herb Conway as keynote speaker. This year's theme: Lawrence Township Celebrates America 250: Black History & American Legacy. The Black Student Union celebration includes a Gospel Choir performance, wisdom circle, HBCU panel discussion, games, arts and crafts, music, and food. Morning activities are open to all classes; afternoon activities are reserved for active Black Student Union, AP African American Studies, and Gospel Choir students.

🎓 General School Announcements

Yearbook Distribution (Grades 9–11) Thursday, June 18, during lunches outside Room 301. Wait for the announcement before leaving the cafeteria. Walk-up purchases: $125 cash only, exact change (limited supply, first-come-first-served). Unclaimed yearbooks move to the Main Office.

P.E. Locker Clean-Out All P.E. lockers must be cleaned out and locked with master locks attached to the door by end of day Monday, June 22. Items left behind will be donated.

Last Day of School Wednesday, June 24 — early dismissal.

Summer Assignments All AP and Honors summer assignments will be posted on the district website under the Summer Learning Portal by July 1.

Fall Cross Country Students interested in running cross country this fall should see Mr. Krajunus in the Guidance office. Google Classroom code: iwetkfie.

College Bootcamp (Rising Seniors – Class of 2027) Tuesday, August 4, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the LHS Library. Hosted by LHS Guidance Counselors. Covers college lists, Common App, and admissions essays. Registration required — see original newsletter for link.

Thrift Shop Clothing Drive (Class of 2027) Drop box in the Main Office all summer. Fall Thrift Shop dates to be announced.

👨‍🎓 Senior Scoop

EventDateTimeLocation / NotesCap & Gown Pickup Deadline | Friday, June 10 | — | Main Office. Extra gowns: $35 cash only.
Senior Breakfast & Distracted Driver Presentation | Thursday, June 11 | 8 a.m. | Cafeteria. Attendance required for prom-going seniors. Sponsored by LTPD and Project Graduation. Free.
Senior Yearbook Distribution | Wednesday, June 17 | Period 4 | Stadium turf field. $125 cash, exact change for walk-ups.
LHS Black Student Union Juneteenth Celebration | Wednesday, June 17 | All day | LHS (seniors, see above)
Senior Chromebook Collection | Thursday, June 18 | Assigned time slot | Auditorium. Bring Chromebook, case, and charger.
Senior Clap-Outs | Monday, June 22 | Arrive by 1:30 p.m. | Your former elementary school. Cap and gown required. Arrange own transportation. Sign-up form coming from Dr. Stein.
Senior Sunset | Monday, June 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Stadium turf field/track. Dunkin Cruiser on site. Questions: Ms. Recentio or a class officer.
Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal | Tuesday, June 23 | Arrive by 7:50 a.m. | Auditorium. Est. end: 11 a.m. Graduation tickets distributed at conclusion.
Graduation Ceremony | Tuesday, June 23 | Arrive by 6:30 p.m. | CURE Arena. Bring cap, gown, and tassel. No extras available on site.
Project Graduation | Tuesday, June 23 | 11 p.m.–5 a.m. | Lawrence High School. Free, adult-supervised, substance-free.
Last Day of School | Wednesday, June 24 | Early dismissal | —

Graduation Tickets: All seniors automatically receive 10 tickets. No additional requests are being accepted.

Graduation Programs: Available in print at the arena entrance (please share); digital version accessible via QR codes near the entrance and throughout the arena.

Graduation Recording: The ceremony will not be live-streamed but will be posted to LTPS Rewind on YouTube within a few weeks.

Not walking? Email Ms. Roche as soon as possible at kroche@ltps.org.

🏆 Brag Bag

Gentlemen's Ball Four LHS seniors — Elijah Toro, Gabriel Rodriguez, Edwin Urias, and Isaiah Grier — were selected for the 43rd annual Gentlemen's Ball, a black-tie mentorship and performance event. Seven LHS young women also attended in support. Congratulations to all.

Culture Fest 2026 On June 6, the LHS International Alliance club hosted its annual Culture Fest, celebrating the many cultures represented at LHS. The event featured singers, dancers, a flag celebration, live performances, and a buffet. Proceeds will benefit Kids in Need of Desks (K.I.N.D.), No More Tears, and Access Life America.

💰 Fundraisers

FundraiserWhoWhenPriceChocolate Chip Cookies | NHD Club | Friday, June 12, after school | $1 each
Rita's Water Ice | Student Council | Every Tuesday after school | $3 each / 2 for $5
Ice Cream | Advocates for Innocence Club | Every Thursday after school, Staff Sign-In | $2–$3 each
Project Graduation Donations | Community | Ongoing | Any amount

To volunteer or donate to Project Graduation, see the original newsletter for links.

📬 Contact & Links