Graduation season in El Dorado Hills is a time for cheers, high-fives, and proud tears. The Class of 2025 is ready to toss their caps and step into the next chapter, and the whole community is here to celebrate. Whether you’re a proud parent, a supportive friend, or a local business ready to join the fun, there’s something for everyone in this year’s graduation festivities.
Big Moments, Big Memories: Local Graduation Ceremonies
El Dorado Hills is rolling out the red carpet for its graduates. Here’s where the magic happens:
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El Dorado High School will honor its seniors on Thursday, May 22 at 5:00 PM at the EDHS Stadium. No tickets are needed; everyone is welcome. Gates open at 4:00 PM, but parking is always a challenge, so take advantage of the shuttle buses running from the El Dorado Fair Grounds starting at 3:45 PM. Bring your cheers and your camera; this is a milestone worth capturing.
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Union Mine High School is hosting its graduation on Thursday, May 22 at 7:15 PM. Seniors will gather with family and friends for a night filled with applause, photos, and well-earned recognition. Remember, umbrellas and pop-up canopies are a no-go, so plan for clear views and sunny smiles.
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Folsom Lake College is celebrating its Class of 2025 with two ceremonies on Thursday, May 22, at the Harris Center for the Arts on the Main Folsom Campus. The first ceremony starts at 3:00 PM for Public Service, Health, Education, and STEM grads, and the second at 6:30 PM for Business, Management, Liberal Arts, and Social Sciences grads. Free parking, live streaming, and professional photos make it easy for every family to join the celebration.
Party Like a Graduate: Your Celebration Checklist
Throwing a graduation party in El Dorado Hills? Here’s a simple checklist to keep your event on track:
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Pick the Perfect Spot: Local parks like Community Park or a backyard with a view of the rolling hills set the scene.
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Invitations: Send digital invites or classic paper cards. Don’t forget to include the time, date, and address.
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Decorations: School colors, banners, and balloons add a festive touch. Personalized photo boards let everyone share in the graduate’s journey.
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Food and Drinks: Keep it easy with finger foods, a taco bar, or local favorites from Bistro 33 or Selland’s Market-Café. A dessert table with cupcakes, cookies, and a graduation cake is always a hit.
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Music and Fun: Create a playlist of the grad’s favorite songs. Set up a photo booth with props for silly snapshots.
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Thank You Notes: Have a stack ready for guests who bring gifts or share words of wisdom.
Gift Ideas That Score Top Marks
Not sure what to give the graduate? Here are some ideas that are both practical and personal:
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Custom Diploma Frame: A mahogany frame with a tassel holder gives their diploma a place of honor.
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Photo Book: Gather memories from kindergarten to graduation for a keepsake they’ll treasure.
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Money Cake: Roll up bills and tie them with ribbons for a creative (and useful) gift.
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Tech Gadgets: A mini projector for movie nights or a smart mug for hot coffee on busy mornings.
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Home Essentials: A tool kit, air fryer, or lunch box helps with the leap into adult life.
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Fun Extras: Graduation socks, trivia games, or a compass necklace for a bit of inspiration.
If you’re shopping local, check out The Gifted Penguin or El Dorado Hills Town Center for unique finds and personalized gifts.
Picture-Perfect Moments: Where to Snap the Best Photos
Graduation day is all about capturing the joy. Here are some local spots for memorable photos:
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Serrano Country Club: The lush greens and scenic views are a classic backdrop.
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El Dorado Hills Town Center Fountain: Gather friends and family for a group shot by the water.
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Folsom Lake Overlook: Sunset photos here are always a favorite.
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Harris Center for the Arts: After the Folsom Lake College ceremony, the FLC-branded backdrop is set up for official and candid shots.
Celebrate with the Community
Local restaurants and cafés are joining the celebration with special menus and group discounts. Book a table at Milestone Restaurant for a family dinner, or pick up a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes for your party at home. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #EDHGrads2025 to share the love and maybe see your graduate featured on local social media pages.
Keep the Party Going: Sober Grad Night and More
Union Mine High School is offering a Sober Grad Night for seniors, creating a safe and fun way to celebrate with friends. Tickets are available in advance, and it’s a great way to wrap up graduation day with music, games, and prizes.
Cheers to the Future
Graduation in El Dorado Hills is more than a ceremony; it’s a community-wide celebration. With open arms and big smiles, the town is ready to honor the achievements of the Class of 2025. From the stadium lights to backyard parties, every moment is a chance to celebrate, reflect, and look forward to new adventures. Here’s to the graduates! Your future starts now!
Sources: goodhousekeeping.com, foryourparty.com, umhs.eduhsd.k12.ca.us, cougar.eduhsd.k12.ca.us, edhs.org
Header Image Source: Emmanuel Offei on Unsplash