During an appearance Friday morning on WKBK’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell, SAU 29 Superintendent Rob Malay said school officials reviewed weather data and determined conditions should allow the ceremony to proceed as planned at Alumni Baseball Field.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will recognize one of the school’s largest graduating classes in recent years. Malay said approximately 322 students are expected to earn diplomas, although staff members were still working with a handful of students Friday to ensure they met all graduation requirements.

Families and guests are invited to arrive early because of anticipated parking congestion around the campus. Attendees are also advised to bring water bottles, umbrellas and clothing suitable for changing weather conditions.

The Class of 2026 is the first group of students required to meet several newer graduation standards, including passing a citizenship assessment and completing additional coursework requirements. Malay credited students and staff for working together to ensure seniors remained on track to graduate.

Graduation caps off a week of celebrations that included Baccalaureate services, student recognition events and scholarship presentations. Malay said graduates were awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships and financial assistance for post-secondary education and training opportunities.

The superintendent also reflected on several changes implemented during the school year, including a classroom cell phone restriction policy. He said the change contributed to more student interaction and engagement throughout the building.

“When you walked the hallways of Keene High School this year, there was just a different vibe,” Malay said. “Kids were looking at one another instead of down at a phone and smiling and saying hello.”

For students not graduating Friday, the final day of the school year is scheduled for June 18. The next school year will begin the Wednesday before Labor Day.