Graduation
The commencement of a new phase of life
Graduation is a significant event that is to be treasured. The day and event itself signifies a great accomplishment, the completion of a phase in life, and is a time to look both forward and back. It is one of the special occasions that are marked by celebrations, speeches and gifts, with memories that can last a lifetime.
The Graduation Ceremony
Also known as commencement, the graduation ceremony gathers the entire graduating class together for the last time; often occurring after the school year has ended. Wearing the traditional graduation dress of a gown and cap, each graduate has the opportunity to cross the stage and shake hands with their principal or dean while receiving a scroll wrapped in ribbon. This is an opportunity for family and friends to take pictures and immortalize the moment, and it’s entirely symbolic – the actual diploma is usually awarded later.
Graduating from high school is considered the final rite of passage into adulthood for most Americans. Graduates enrol in further studies at a post-secondary school or enter full-time employment for the first time in their lives. Graduation speeches usually occur at the start and end of the ceremony, often beginning with a guest speaker and concluding with the class valedictorian. The guest speaker may be an alumnus of some distinction, a politician or a celebrity; they generally speak of welcoming the graduates to the real world and offer encouraging words for the future.
Informal Graduation Traditions
Other traditions observed to mark the occasion include graduation parties and the giving of graduation cards or gifts. Graduation parties usually occur privately after the ceremony, with friends gathering together in smaller groups to celebrate and catch up with each other. Many dress formally for the occasion; ladies may wear graduation dresses and the men may opt to wear their best suit. Pre-graduation parties tend to center on a meal (for evening graduation ceremonies) often with extended family members. At this time, graduation gifts may be given to the graduate along with encouragement or appreciation for their scholastic achievements. Family members who cannot attend may opt instead to send graduation cards in lieu of their presence.
While other graduation ceremonies may occur during the primary or post-secondary years, they are not considered as significant. The coming-of-age aspect of the tradition occurs only as a part of graduating from secondary school, giving this particular occasion more emotional weight.
