Graduation season is here, and Stanton, KY, is ready to cheer on the Class of 2025. From proud high school caps flying into the Stanton sky to college diplomas at Rupp Arena, this year’s milestones call for heartfelt gifts, festive gatherings, and memorable moments. Whether you’re a graduate, a family member, or a friend, here’s your guide to making Graduation Celebrations in Stanton warm, fun, and uniquely local.
Walking Across the Stage: Powell County High School Graduation Day
Late May marks Powell County High School’s big moment when seniors put on their caps and gowns and step into the spotlight. Families will gather in the school gym for a ceremony filled with speeches, diploma presentations, and cheers for each graduate. Keep an eye on the Powell County Schools website for the exact date and time so you can snag your front-row seat and capture every proud grin.
Caps, Gowns, and Beyond: University of Kentucky Commencement
Many Stanton grads head on to college and join fellow Wildcats at Rupp Arena on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10. These two days of the University of Kentucky Commencement cover all colleges from Fine Arts to Public Health and Engineering to Pharmacy. White gowns, proud families, and heartfelt applause make this rite of passage extra special. Plan ahead for travel, tickets, and celebratory photos on Lexington’s lively downtown streets.
Gifts That Shine: 2025 College Grad Gift Guide
Picking the perfect gift can be simple when you stick to items grads will use day after day. Here are a few top picks inspired by our friends at Good Housekeeping:
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Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder: a classic way to show off hard work
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Amazon Basics 65-Piece Home Repair Tool Kit: perfect for first apartments
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Ember Smart Mug 2: coffee stays hot from morning study sessions to late-night projects
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AuKing Mini Projector: movie nights with friends just got an upgrade
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Compendium “I Wrote a Book About You”: fill in the blanks for a truly personal keepsake
Mix in some local finds from Stanton’s gift shops and you’ll have a gift that feels both useful and full of heart.
Party Time: Your Ultimate Graduation Bash Checklist
No matter the size of your gathering, having a plan keeps the party on track. The “Ultimate Graduation Party Checklist” lays out every step from invites to cleaning up:
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Send invitations early: give guests time to RSVP
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Choose easy crowd-pleasing snacks and drinks: think finger foods and a punch bowl
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Set up a simple photo backdrop: use school colors or DIY banners
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Stock up on disposable plates, cups, and utensils: save time on dishes
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Plan a quick clean-up crew: recruit friends or family to tackle trash and tidy tables
Local stores like Clark’s Quick Stop and Rite Aid in Stanton carry all the party basics and let you shop close to home.
Eat, Sip, Celebrate: Local Venues and Catering Options
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Stanton City Park Pavilion: A relaxed spot for picnics surrounded by oaks
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Breckinridge Street Community Center: Indoor space with tables and chairs included
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Cathedral Cafe: Order deli trays or sweet treats and support a local kitchen
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Stanton Bakery on Main Street: Custom graduation cakes and cupcakes made to order
Pair festive balloons with fresh flower arrangements from Harper’s Florist downtown. For a fun twist, set up a local coffee bar with beans from Red River Roasters and let guests brew their own cups.
Picture Perfect: Capturing Every Smile
Smartphones are great, but for family portraits and group shots, consider hiring Stanton High junior photographers or asking the yearbook club for help. Snap photos:
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Before the ceremony, caps off and natural light make for classic shots
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During the tassel turn, catch that moment of official graduation
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At the party, candid laughing photos feel alive
Create a shared online album so friends and family can add their favorite images and relive the day again and again.
Give Back: Graduation Service Ideas
The celebration can include helping others, such as putting tables at the party for a small school supply drive or putting a tip jar at the cafe event with proceeds donated to Powell County Youth Services. These simple acts make a big difference and honor the community spirit that raised these graduates.
Share Your Moment: Stanton Shout-Outs
Encourage grads to spotlight their achievements on social media: use the hashtag tantonGRAD25, tag @StantonKYChamber, and watch your post light up local feeds. Local news outlets often share graduation photos, too. Check the Stanton Messenger for community highlights.
Stanton’s Class of 2025 is on the move. With thoughtful gifts, well-planned parties, and hometown pride, this graduation season will be one to remember. From proud families at Powell County High School to Wildcats at Rupp Arena, every cap tossed marks a new chapter, celebrate it Stanton style.
Sources: goodhousekeeping.com, foryourparty.com, powell.kyschools.us, stantonmustangs.org, stantonschools.com
Header Image Source: Jane Carmona on Unsplash
