Due to the high probability of thunderstorms and dangerous lightning on Friday evening, members of the Thomson High School Class of 2026 were surveyed with the choice of holding their graduation ceremony in the THS gymnasium at 8 p.m. on Friday or in The Brickyard at 9 a.m. Saturday. With an overwhelming response from the Class of 2026, 82% chose to postpone the ceremony until Saturday morning in The Brickyard.
Parking is available across the street from the stadium in the fields adjacent to the McDuffie County School System office, the parking lot beside the old gym, and at the McDuffie Achievement Center. Overflow parking is available at Thomson First Methodist Church.
Foot traffic on the west side of Main Street should cross at the intersection with Springfield Street. Police officers will be directing traffic to assist those crossing the street. Gates will open at 7:00 a.m. Attendees should arrive in enough time to make sure everyone is seated before the start of the ceremony. The two main entry gates and the pass gate on Springfield Street will be open, and attendees should be prepared for a safety screening.
Please remember that The Brickyard has a clear bag policy. Also note that noise-making devices, balloons, and large banners or signs are not permitted. Attendees should be respectful of all the graduates and refrain from excessive noise while names are being called.
Family and friends at the ceremony should beware that anyone who may be negatively impacted by a strobing light effect should take proper precautions ahead of time. At the end of the ceremony, the lights will blink to create a celebratory atmosphere.