Planning for Graduation
By: John Speich
The traditions associated with graduation highlight an important step in a student's life. Earning a diploma is an achievement that should be shared with parents, friends, and the community.
The graduation ceremony has long been a tradition in high schools and universities. Its sole purpose is honoring the graduate.
A well-planned and organized ceremony can also be a rewarding experience for the parents, motivate underclass students to complete academic requirements, and serve as a positive bond between the school and the community.
Graduation Apparel
The use of a cap and gown as graduation apparel dates back to the university scholars of the 14th century, but the use of cap sand gowns did not appear in high school ceremonies until the turn of the century.
Early caps and gowns in high school ceremonies were gray, usually made of wool or poplin. Modern-day gowns are available in lightweight, comfortable synthetics and in a variety of both traditional and contemporary colors.
Many schools have even established the tradition of attiring faculty members in gowns to enhance the formality and importance of the ceremony.
Here are some guidelines for wearing caps and gowns:
* The gown should be removed from its individual package and placed on a hanger as soon as it is received.
* The gown should hang the knees and ankles and should be pressed before being worn.
* Flowers and pins are not appropriately worn on graduation gowns.
* Caps should be placed on the head so that the mortarboard is level. The front of the cap is indicated on the inside of the crown. Caps are never worn on the back of the head.
* Ladies find it more practical to wear a simply-styled, lightweight dress without a high neckline or excess skirt fullness under their gown.
* Men need not wear coats under their gowns. A white shirt and tie are proper.
The Program
Many schools have found it beneficial to appoint a "graduation committee" to plan and organize the ceremony. Committees usually consist of faculty, sponsors, officers, and seniors.
The benefits of a committee are two-fold. The many responsibilities of the program are distributed among several people, and the committee increases faculty and student involvement. Most graduation committees are responsible for everything from selecting a speaker to the distribution of admission tickets.
The traditional graduation program usually is 60 to 75 minutes in length. The program format may include:
* The Processional
* Musical Selection
* Welcome
* Valedictory Address
* Introduction of Speaker
* Commencement Address
* Presentation of the Senior Class
* Presentation of Diplomas
* Recessional
Graduation programs may also include a Salutatory address, the singing of the National Anthem and Alma Matter, presentation of the Valedictorian and Salutatorian Award, or a special presentation of a gift to the school from the Senior Class.
Selection of a Commencement Speaker
It is important that the speech be brief and directed to the spirit of the event. In an effort to achieve a greater student involvement, many schools have student speakers. Student speakers may be selected by the graduation committee through auditions or may be selected from the top honor students.
The Processional
The order of the Graduation Processional is usually determined by school tradition. The faculty, Valedictorian, and Salutatorian may lead the Processional. The remaining order is determined by alphabet or by height. Many schools also include class officers and top honor students at the head of the Processional.
Presentation of Diplomas
Most schools continue the tradition of announcing and presenting the diploma to each individual student. Usually a member of the Board of Education presents the diploma to the graduate as their name is announced and they cross the platform.
Many seniors have elected to add a special touch to the ceremony by presenting a class flower or appreciation flower to their parents at the time they are presented their diploma.
These are just a few of those important details that will make your graduation ceremony both a successful and memorable event for the parents, school, community, and most importantly, graduates.
Jon Speich is graduation specialist for Herff Jones Graduate Services, www.mygradshop.com.
