Placerville’s Class of 2025, your moment has arrived; it’s time to celebrate! Whether you’re crossing the stage at El Dorado High School, Union Mine High School, or Folsom Lake College, this spring marks a huge milestone. Let’s take a look at what’s happening around town, the best ways to mark the occasion, and how to make these memories last.
Big Day Details: Graduation Ceremonies in Placerville
El Dorado High School
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Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
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Time: 5:00 PM
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Place: EDHS Stadium
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Gates Open: 4:00 PM
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Tickets: No tickets needed; everyone is welcome
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Parking: Limited at the school, but shuttle buses will run from the El Dorado Fair Grounds starting at 3:45 PM
Union Mine High School
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Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
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Time: 7:15 PM
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Place: UMHS Campus
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Gates Open: 6:00 PM
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Tickets: No tickets required
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Reminders: Graduates report to the gym by 6:00 PM; no decorated caps or leis allowed during the ceremony
Folsom Lake College (Main Folsom Campus, Harris Center for the Arts)
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Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
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Ceremony One: 3:00 PM (Public Service, Health, Education, STEM)
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Ceremony Two: 6:30 PM (Business, Management, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences)
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Parking: Free for all guests
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Live Stream: Available for friends and family who can’t attend
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Photos: Professional and DIY photo opportunities abound
Placerville will be buzzing with excitement as families, friends, and graduates gather to cheer on the Class of 2025. With open gates and no ticket requirements at the high schools, everyone can join in the celebration.
Graduation Party Ideas: Celebrate in Style
Throwing a party? Make it unforgettable with these local-friendly ideas:
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Backyard Bash: String up school-colored pom-pom garlands, set out a popcorn bar, and let the games begin. Cornhole, Jenga, and pickleball are crowd-pleasers for all ages.
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Photo Fun: Create a photo station with props and a banner showcasing snapshots from kindergarten to senior year. Add a balloon arch or donut wall for extra flair.
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DIY Food Stations: Think picnic sandwich pinwheels, deviled eggs, and a warm cheddar dip with chips. Local bakeries can provide custom cupcakes topped with graduation caps for a sweet finish.
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Advice Jar: Set up a spot for guests to leave notes, advice, or well wishes. Reading through these messages later will bring back all the feelings.
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Modern Table Setting: For a sit-down dinner, print menus on cardstock and tie tassels around napkins. Add a bouquet of wildflowers from Placerville’s farmers’ market for a local touch.
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Theme It Up: Nautical, Snoopy, or even a gold-and-blue color scheme to match school pride. Pick a theme that fits your grad’s personality.
Don’t forget about the after-party! Union Mine High School’s Sober Grad Night is a safe and fun way for seniors to celebrate together.
The Best Graduation Gifts for 2025 Grads
Looking for a gift that stands out? Here are some top picks for every type of grad:
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Tech Essentials: A smart speaker like the Echo Show 5 doubles as an alarm clock, video call hub, and music center. Or, help them keep track of their stuff with an Apple AirTag tucked into their backpack.
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Personal Touches: Custom art featuring a favorite quote, a name bracelet, or a monogrammed duffle bag adds a sentimental flair.
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Practical Picks: A sturdy travel duffle, a Yeti cooler for summer adventures, or a classic beach towel for pool days.
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For the Foodie: An espresso machine for café-quality drinks at home, or a gift card to a favorite local eatery in Placerville.
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Photo Memories: A framed photo from graduation day or a photo book chronicling their school years.
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Subscription Services: Streaming, audiobooks, or even a meal kit subscription for grads heading off to college or new apartments.
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Classic Choices: Cash is always appreciated, but get creative with a money wreath or tuck bills into a card with a heartfelt note.
Wrap it up with style; use school colors or metallic paper, and add a handwritten card for that personal touch.
Making Graduation Day Extra Special in Placerville
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Capture the Moment: Both El Dorado and Union Mine High Schools offer professional graduation photos. Don’t miss the FLC-branded backdrop at Folsom Lake College for those Instagram-worthy snaps.
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Plan Ahead: Arrive early for the best seats, especially with open admission at the high schools. Take advantage of the shuttle service at EDHS to avoid parking headaches.
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Celebrate Locally: After the ceremony, head to a favorite Placerville restaurant. Perhaps a pizza night at Pizza Factory or a sweet treat from Sweetie Pie’s.
Graduation is more than a ceremony; it’s a community-wide celebration. Placerville’s Class of 2025, you’ve earned every bit of this spotlight. Enjoy the cheers, the hugs, the photos, and the parties; your next adventure is just beginning, and today is all about you.
Sources: wired.com, goodhousekeeping.com, flc.losrios.edu, umhs.eduhsd.k12.ca.us
Header Image Source: RUT MIIT on Unsplash