Eden Prairie High School to Hold Separate Graduation for State-Qualifying Track Athletes

Special ceremony scheduled during rehearsal to avoid conflict with state track meet

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:05pm

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Eden Prairie High School will hold a separate graduation ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on June 6 for senior track and field athletes who qualify for the state meet, which conflicts with the school's scheduled 3 p.m. graduation ceremony that day. The special ceremony will take place during the standard graduation rehearsal at U.S. Bank Stadium, allowing qualifying athletes to participate in both events.

Why it matters

Eden Prairie High School has a strong track and field program that regularly sends multiple athletes to the state competition. Scheduling the graduation on the same day as the state meet finals would have forced some students to choose between their final athletic competition and walking across the stage to receive their diploma, which raised concerns from parents and students.

The details

After parents voiced frustration over the scheduling conflict, EPHS Principal Jaysen Anderson announced the school will hold a separate graduation ceremony for state-qualifying track and field athletes during the standard ceremony's rehearsal time. Each qualifying athlete can have as many family members and friends join them on the field as they wish, and non-qualifying senior track athletes can also attend to support their teammates. Anderson said the school is working to create a 'meaningful ceremony' for the affected students.

  • The Class of 2026 graduation is scheduled for 3 p.m. on June 6 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
  • The MSHSL Class AAA track and field finals are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on June 6 at St. Michael-Albertville High School.

The players

Jaysen Anderson

Principal of Eden Prairie High School.

Heather Carr

An Eden Prairie Schools parent with a senior in the track program.

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What they’re saying

“It's just unacceptable to me that my kid and potentially several others are going to have to choose between running in the track final and walking across the stage to get their diploma.”

— Heather Carr, Eden Prairie Schools parent

“I recognize this is different than participating in the full graduation ceremony, and that may raise different emotions for affected students and families. Please know we are putting thoughtful care into creating an experience that celebrates students in a way that feels special and significant.”

— Jaysen Anderson, Principal, Eden Prairie High School

What’s next

Senior track and field athletes who qualify for the state meet will receive specific instructions from Principal Anderson closer to the graduation date.

The takeaway

By scheduling a separate graduation ceremony for state-qualifying track and field athletes, Eden Prairie High School has found a thoughtful solution that allows these students to participate in both their final athletic competition and the milestone of high school graduation, avoiding a difficult choice for them and their families.