To help parents of graduates prepare, we asked Parent Council members for their tips and tricks: What do you wish you would have known before your student graduated? What are you glad you knew before your student graduated? Here's what they had to say!

Commencement Day Advice

"Weather can be hot and humid. Cotton and linen sundresses and slacks will be most comfortable. The site is on a field, so flat shoes or dressy sandals work well."

"There are coolers with bottles of water available; be sure to grab a bottle for the ceremony."

"Arrive at least one hour before the Commencement ceremony. There are shuttles between the parking areas and field, but you may still need to walk some distance, so leave yourself plenty of time."

"Bring an extra memory card and batteries for cameras. There will be an Eckerd banner strung between two palm trees on the beach; it's a great place to take photos."

"There is plenty of seating under the tents. And at the end of many aisles, there are portable fans on the ground to keep you cool."

"If you sit on the left side of the graduates, you will be able to see them walking down the steps of the stage after shaking President Eastman's hand. Then they'll have their photo taken by the photographer. If you sit on the right side of the graduates, you'll see them lining up to receive their diplomas. All of the seats offer good vantage points."

"The local dollar stores offer lots of decorations and balloons."

"If you plan to have a celebratory lunch after Commencement, make reservations ahead of time."

New Parent Council Members