Duke Update May 31, 2026
Friday, June 5th is an early release day and the last day of school for students. Students will be dismissed at 12:15 pm.
Cosmetology: We would like to recognize and celebrate an outstanding achievement by several of our Cosmetology students. These students have successfully passed both the Theory and Practical portions of the Virginia Cosmetology State Board Exam and are now officially licensed cosmetologists in the Commonwealth of Virginia! This accomplishment reflects countless hours of studying, practicing, dedication, professionalism, and perseverance. Earning a cosmetology license while still in school is a major milestone and an exciting step toward a successful career in the beauty industry. We are incredibly proud of your hard work and determination. Congratulations on this amazing achievement and best wishes for continued success in your future careers!
Congratulations to the following students:
Mattilyn Busch, Mallorie Coates, Kacy Dudley, Jada Etheridge, Olivia Knight, Danielle Lacosa, Deanna Larson, Emily Martel, Jada Strazdins, Hannah Turnage, Natalie Vickers, and Payge WIlliams
We are excited to share that several of Chesapeake Bay Governor's School (CBGS)’s shared students earned awards at the Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences held on May 2 at Hampden–Sydney College. Our seniors competed against students from across Virginia, including other Governor’s Schools, by presenting the methodologies and results from their CBGS Senior Projects. We are proud to announce that Gloucester students received four awards for their outstanding research and presentations.
Congratulationsto the following students:
Elizabeth Dawkins — Investigating the Diversity and Abundance of Vibrio Bacteria Found in Eastern Oysters in the Lower Chesapeake Bay
Category: Microbiology and Cell Biology – A
Award: Honorable Mention
Kindred Worrell — The Effect of Fruit Related Pesticide Exposure on Drosophila melanogaster Survival and Reproduction
Category: Medicine and Health – B
Award: Honorable Mention
Charlotte Kirby — Football Player Hydration and Readiness During High Temperature Summer Practices
Category: Medicine and Health – C
Award: 3rd Place
Natalie Johnson — A Comparison of Papaya Seed-Derived Benzyl Isothiocyanate and the Synthetic Repellents DEET and Permethrin on Lone Star Ticks (Amblyomma americanum)
Category: Mathematics and Theoretical Modeling
Award: Honorable Mention
Please join us in congratulating these students on their impressive accomplishments and for representing Gloucester so well.
Last Chance to Enroll for Your Spring 2027 Trip to Europe! Mrs. Ballew is taking a group to Germany, Italy, and Switzerland! next Spring 2027 this is your very last opportunity to enroll this school year! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience—secure your spot today! Enroll by May 31, 2027 for $200 off the trip, If you have traveled with EF already and are planning on traveling again, use your same account info to receive an additional repeat traveler discount! Enroll here: https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2924406EN
Congratulations to senior Zachary Conklin for being inducted into the National German Honor Society! He is the first GHS student to be recognized due to his commitment to the language and dedication to his studies, maintaining an A average during all 3 levels of German at GHS.
Art students are reminded to pick up all artwork as soon as possible. Anything left behind may be disposed of.
Lost/Found: Students this is a reminder to check the Lost/Found daily as items will be donated at the end of the school year.
Explorers and friends of Explorers you are invited to our end of year picnic on June 5th at 2:00 PM at Beaverdam Park! For more details, look for flyers posted around the school, Canvas, or see Ms. Falkenberg in room 139 - Bring a dish to share and let's celebrate our last day of school and jumpstart summer 2026! Hope to see you there!!
Attention Parents/Guardians of rising 12th grade students: Please click the link for more information regarding the required meningococcal vaccine: https://aptg.co/pP0SJT . You can also find the link on the GHS website.
Senior Parents & Guardians: The Chromebook collection for graduating seniors is now underway. Seniors who have completed all academic obligations may return their Chromebook and charger to the Tech Office during normal business hours. If the Tech Office is closed, devices may be turned in to the Main Office staff.
Additional Chromebook Collection Opportunities:
Thursday, June 4
• Main Hall near the Counseling/200 Hall entrance
• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (during lunches)
Friday, June 5
• Same Main Hall location
• 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (before and after graduation practice)
Technology staff will be available to assist with device collection and answer questions.
Additional Important Reminders about Chromebooks:
• Students participating in summer programs(Virtual Virginia, Summer School, Governor’s School, etc.) should keep their Chromebook and charger over the summer.
• Students transferring out of GCPS,should return all assigned equipment before leaving the division.
• Follow-up communication will be sent to graduates who still have outstanding devices.
Counseling
The Peer Tutoring Club has ended for the year. We will continue next school year.
Athletics
Spring Athletes & Families the Spring Sports Awards night will be Wednesday, June 3rd @ 7:00pm in the GHS Auditorium please bring a dessert to share. Enter through door 3E from the student parking lot side of the building.
All students planning to play a sport at Gloucester High School for the 2026-2027 school year must complete the Arbiter registration to be eligible to participate in conditioning, tryouts, practice, or competition. The registration link, tutorial, and information sheet can be found on the GHS athletics website. Contact the GHS athletics department if you have any questions.
Seniors
Sign-ups for Senior walks at the Elementary Schools and Middle Schools have been added to your canvas page. If you plan on attending the Senior walk please complete your corresponding school form. This will help the schools prepare for your special day.
The last day to order cap/gown units from Jostens online was Friday, May 29th.
Jostens will return on Friday, June 5th during the mandatory graduation rehearsal to distribute any remaining cap and gown orders. They will also accept cash payments ($75) for last-minute purchases.
Graduation tickets will be distributed at the mandatory graduation rehearsal on Friday, June 5th.
Additional graduation tickets: Please stop by the Main Office during class changes or your lunch period to add your name to the extra ticket list (can request up to 5). The deadline to request additional graduation tickets is 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 3rd.
Senior Week Events:
Monday, June 1
Scholarship Night @ GHS, 6:00–8:00 PM (invitations will be sent out)
Tuesday, June 2
Senior Awards, 8:30–10:30 AM
Class Picture (cap and gown), 10:45 AM
Senior Walk through GHS, 11:15 AM
Senior Walk at Peasley, 1:30 PM
Senior Walk at all elementary schools, 2:30 PM
Wednesday, June 3
Senior Walk at Page, 1:30 PM
Thursday, June 4
Senior Picnic @ GHS Practice Field, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Friday, June 5
Senior Social (GHS Cafeteria), 7:30–8:15 AM
Graduation Practice, 8:30–10:30 AM
Graduation tickets will be distributed at practice
Please note: Practice is mandatory. Seniors who do not attend will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony.
That concludes our Duke Update. Let’s Go Dukes!!