Joliet West High School announced on May 22 a series of important dates and reminders for students, families, and the community as the academic year comes to a close. The school highlighted graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2026, upcoming service opportunities, final exam schedules, summer programs, health requirements, and community resources.
The announcement is significant as it provides key information to help students and their families prepare for transitions at the end of the school year. It also encourages engagement with local initiatives and outlines required steps for student health compliance.
Graduation ceremonies for Joliet Central and Joliet West are scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with live streaming available through provided links. “To our graduates, tomorrow as we celebrate the Class of 2026 from Joliet Central and Joliet West, never forget how far you have come. Always remember you can achieve anything; the world is waiting for your brilliance! Go out and do well, but above all, do good and be the change you wish to see,” said school officials in their message.
Other notable events include Collins Street Neighborhood Cleanup Day on May 23—a community service opportunity open to all ages—and pop-up food pantry distributions on May 28 and June 25 at Louise Ray Community Center. Final exams are set from May 27-29; details about schedules in English or Spanish are available through school communications.
Families were reminded that there will be no classes on Memorial Day (May 25), with observance dedicated “to honor those who lost their lives while defending their country.” The last day of classes is Friday, May 29.
The JTHS Foundation Golf Outing is planned for June 4 to raise funds supporting grants, scholarships, emergency funds, summer school support, as well as ACT/PSAT testing assistance. Additionally, a Board of Education meeting will be held June 16 at district offices; construction may affect building entry points during this time.
Health-related reminders include mandatory meningococcal vaccines for incoming seniors by October 15 per Illinois law (105 ILCS 5/27-8.1) or risk exclusion from school after that date. Incoming freshmen must submit completed physical examination forms with immunizations by October 15; dental examination forms are due by May 15 next year. Families are encouraged not to wait until fall to schedule appointments at local clinics.
Summer programs highlighted include free meals offered under an Illinois State Board of Education initiative across various Joliet-area sites—details can be obtained via phone or text—and opportunities such as library reading challenges where students can earn prizes or free books by participating over summer break.
Joliet West High School serves grades nine through twelve in Will County with an enrollment of approximately 3,310 students during the most recent reported academic year according to the Illinois Report Card. Grade nine had the highest concentration among enrolled students at just over one quarter during that period according to the Illinois Report Card. Demographically in that same year: white students made up nearly thirty-five percent; black students accounted for just over twenty-one percent; Hispanic students represented thirty-nine percent; Asian students comprised almost two percent according to the Illinois Report Card.
