Beginning with the class of 2026, it has been announced as of October that all high schools within the bounds of Montgomery County will conduct their graduation ceremonies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s (UMBC) Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena. For students at Damascus, this marks the end of a 116-year tradition of graduation being held on the football field. For all schools in Montgomery County does this entail an equitable and reasonable venue for all future graduation ceremonies, or overwhelming travel and logistics?
Prior to the announcement, this new district-wide policy has reportedly been in the works for years, with officials stating that this will be a significant cost cutting measure with the added benefit of mitigating and potential weather issues that have been common over the years, providing ample parking for all who will be in attendance, and accessibility to all. With many high schools previously holding their graduation at places like Mt. St Mary’s, Constitution Hall in DC, the XFINITY Center at UMD or on their own campus, the decision to move every graduation ceremony moving forward in Montgomery County to UMBC has faced much opposition.
Since this decision was made there has been significant outrage as parents and students across the county claim that there has been such little notice of the move saying this will shatter tradition spanning decades. Grandparents who have graduated from Damascus have seen their children graduate, those children who are now mothers and fathers going forward will not have the liberty of seeing their children go through the same experience. Despite these strong feelings, parents still hold out hope that there is still time for the county to overturn their decision, with parents at Damascus even offering to assemble funds to rent out their campus as a venue and hold the graduation ceremony themselves as a school, therefore allowing current students to carry on tradition.
Notwithstanding the backlash, there are many throughout the county that feel content with the move. In the past there have been countless ceremonies that have been postponed due to inclement weather, throwing scheduling and travel completely off the rails. With an indoor graduation in a reliable venue like the UMBC Center, the comfort, safety, and consistency of a move like this far outweighs the headache of setup, venue deals, and staffing. Those who support this move argue that if there is a more convenient and inexpensive option that saves time and money in the county (vis-à-vis UMBC), graduations held at chosen locations should not carry on just for the sake of tradition.
High school graduation is a once in a lifetime event, with proud family and friends coming to visit from all over just to see their loved one walk across the stage wearing a cap and gown, diploma in hand; the moment is priceless. For some of the smaller, tight-knit schools across the county, and those further away from the UMBC center, one of the more considerable worries that has emerged with the announcement is the mode of travel for those that will be attending. To handle this guests who require ADA accommodations will be served on a first come first serve basis. For those unable to attend, all ceremonies are to be streamed on YouTube. All students, parents, and guests in attendance are required to use their own mode of transportation.
As of May 4, 2026, the plan remains for all high school graduation ceremonies in Montgomery County to be held at the Chesapeake Bay Insurance Arena at UMBC. Whether you are for, against, or indifferent to all future ceremonies being held at UMBC, the class of 2026 is looking bright as we reach the home stretch of the 2025-2026 school year.
