The class of 2022's graduation is less than a month away. Cap and gown orders have been placed, graduation parties and outfits are being planned, and the excitement of finishing 12 years of education is building up to the biggest event of high school -- the graduation ceremony.

High school graduation may last for one night, but it takes several months to prepare for the big event.

Typically starting before winter break, each graduation committee strives to make the ceremony a perfect event and a time to recognize the hard work of the graduating class, according to a press release.

"Each of these graduates has worked for four hard years to get where they are at, and they only get one shot at graduation," stated Eastmark High's Assistant Principal Jess Roth in the release

Roth also mentioned how the biggest challenge of planning graduation is making sure no mistakes are made and getting seniors to share their input.

The graduation committee, which is composed of administrators, counselors and teachers, frequently seeks input from students along the way to ensure a perfect graduation ceremony.

This year's graduation will be the first for Eastmark High, which includes more than 130 students.

Queen Creek High will have more than 450 students in its graduation ceremony, and that is not including the seniors who attended Queen Creek Virtual Academy.

Renee Regoli, assistant principal at Queen Creek High, stated in the release that seeing the final day happen is the most rewarding part.

"My favorite part is when it all comes together," Regoli stated. "The energy when the kids process out and the families get to see them."

EHS graduation will be held on Wednesday May 18, and QCHS graduation will be held on Thursday May 19.