Fort Bend ISD and the Epicenter have entered into a five-year partnership to host high school graduations starting in 2024. The 2024 graduations will be celebrated on Thursday, May 23, Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25. Austin, Bush, Clements, Dulles, Elkins, Hightower, Kempner, Marshall, Ridge Point, Travis, and Willowridge High Schools will be scheduled across the three days of commencements. Crawford, Fort Bend ISD’s newest high school, will be added with their first graduation class in 2026.

"We are truly excited about holding our commencement ceremonies in the new Epicenter, and we know our grads and their families are going to thoroughly enjoy being in the beautiful new venue,” FBISD Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck said. “Having a great indoor space for graduations enables the district to streamline the commencement schedule so that ceremonies take place over the course of just a few days instead of several. Also, it removes the threat of postponements due to weather.

Those who planned and developed the Epicenter did so with the school district in mind.

“When the County first contemplated building the Epicenter, being able to host graduations and accommodate graduates’ family and friends was a huge consideration." said Toby Wyman, the Epicenter's General Manager. “We are thrilled this partnership ensures that Fort Bend ISD students get to celebrate their graduations in their own backyard for many years to come.”

Specific details around graduations will be released at a later date. The Epicenter will host a public open house on August 19 from 10am – 4pm. Residents can take a self-guided tour and learn more about upcoming events at the new multipurpose sports and entertainment venue.

About The Fort Bend County Epicenter

At 230,000 sq. ft., the Epicenter, located in Rosenberg, Texas, is a multipurpose sports and entertainment facility. The arena boasts over 8,600 fixed seats, with a capacity of 10,000. The venue features a multipurpose area and a covered outdoor pavilion. The Epicenter can host multicourt basketball and volleyball tournaments, concerts, family entertainment and livestock shows. www.thefortbendepicenter.com

About FBISD

The quality of education in Fort Bend County has long been a driving force to attract families to the area. Fort Bend County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. As the largest school district in the county, Fort Bend ISD is an outstanding K-12 public education system.

The district is Texas’ sixth largest with more than 80,000 students and one of the most diverse in the nation. Working and learning cohesively alongside families who speak more than 100 languages and dialects, the schools work together with students, their families and the community to address each student’s unique needs.

FBISD currently has 83 campuses: 12 high schools, 15 middle schools, 51 elementary campuses and five specialty schools to address the academic and vocational interests of students. With nearly 12,000 employees , the District is the largest employer in Fort Bend County.