It is that time of year when students of all ages and levels of education are involved in a graduation ceremony of one sort or another. Back in time...mid 20th century America, there were only three possible graduation ceremonies one would be a participant in: Eighth Grade from elementary school, after 12th grade in High School and college. Nowadays there is a graduation ceremony for practically all things! Last year my granddaughter "graduated" from daycare; this year she had a "stepping up" ceremony from Pre-K to Kindergarten. Other friends have children and grandchildren graduating from Kindergarten , Fifth Grade (primary school), Eighth Grade (middle school) or Twelfth Grade ( high school)...several other colleagues have children graduating with either their Associate's (two years), Bachelor's ( four year) or Master's degrees. Some really smart folks that I know have, or will have their doctorates conferred this June...quite an accomplishment! Kudos to them!
So with all of these opportunities to celebrate academic accomplishments one would think that those who are attending these auspicious events would know how to behave....Sorry folks. This is just not so.
Over the course of my teaching career, I have probably been a participant at over forty-five graduation ceremonies. These included my own children's graduations from elementary, high school and college, and my own graduations. So I think I know how one SHOULD act at a graduation ceremony. But, I have to say, I have witnessed some pretty bizarre behaviors and some very poor fashion decisions at many of my recent graduation experiences.
Here's my random list of things NOT acceptable at graduations, a general kind of etiquette and dress code guide:
1. Halter tops or dresses are not a good choice for anyone under the age of six or over the age of forty.Thankfully, most graduating students wear robes now, so this fashion faux pas only occurs in the audience. Same goes for spandex.
2. Tee shirts, flip flops and cut offs are not a good choice to wear to your own graduation, but as above, most of us don't know it once you put on your gown. Folks attending should use "mirror" test. If it doesn't look good in the mirror, don't wear it.
3. Bringing over-sized balloon bouquets into a crowded auditorium is never a good idea, especially if you have them bobbing about your head. You will block the view for those behind you. Be considerate. Keep the balloons at home, or in the car until later.
4. Please do not whoop, holler or scream out your beloved graduates name as they step foot on the stage. This is embarrassing for most of them and takes the solemnity away from the ceremony. You also look foolish.
5. If your daughter is going to wear stilettos for the ceremony, have her practice walking in them before hand. I have seen several young ladies trip and fall on the stage due to their unease in heels.
Now, for things I really like about graduations:
1. Seeing the bright smiles of hopefulness on the faces of the graduates. Nothing can replace that, ever!
2. Knowing the genuine pride that teachers, administrators and other staff feel at these important ceremonies. They are an affirmation of why we go into the teaching profession.
3. Recognizing the accomplishments of our graduates. My favorite ones are awards for good citizenship, attendance and tenacity.
4. Sharing a wonderful family moment with the parents with whom I worked over the years.
5. Carrying on special traditions. My old school used to have a color guard each year with two teams: Eighth Graders on one and Seventh Graders on the other. The graduating team would march the colors in. At the end of the ceremony, they would hand the colors over to the Seventh grade team who marched the colors out. There was never a dry eye in the place when that happened.
So, go out an enjoy this graduation season: please be proud of the accomplishments of your graduate. Please also remember some common graduation etiquette will make you a welcomed guest at the ceremony.
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