Tips for Planning a High School or College Graduation Program

Planning for graduation parties is popular, but the party can only take place upon the diploma's delivery. Tips for planning the commencement program itself are also important, especially if a new teacher or administrator must do the planning. This article shares some important aspects of a high school or college graduation ceremony.

Whether graduating from high school or college, a graduation program traditionally includes several elements. First of all, the procession is crucial to a traditional graduation ceremony. Graduates march in to some sort of music either in pairs or in a single row. Many female graduates will carry a long stem flower while males may don a pinned corsage. The flower is typically chosen by the graduating class at one of their class meetings. When setting up the procession area, be sure that no cords will be in the way to trip them up. Also, if possible, keep the aisle wide enough for family members to take photographs.

After the graduates have all been seated, a leader of the school typically welcomes visitors and leads the pledge of allegiance. Historically a welcoming prayer would be led at that point, but many public schools have removed it either by choice or regulation. The program usually continues with the presentation of a class gift to the school or university.

If awards have not already been given, at this point in the graduation ceremony students with honors or exceptional awards are recognized. Typically this involves graduates to simply stand at their seat since moving across the stage is typically reserved for receiving their diploma.

After award recognition, a senior song may be sung by a choir or played by a band. Typically following the musical interlude, the speeches of the top graduates take place. The salutatorian usually speaks first, followed by the valedictorian. In the event of a tie, some speakers have had to submit their speeches and have the principal or school leader choose which will be shared. Sometimes a school will also include a keynote speaker - often a community or political leader.

Different schools sometimes add nuances to their graduation ceremonies. One school, Homer High School, in Homer, Michigan, has their graduates submit a baby picture and a senior picture. A member of the class then creates a senior slideshow of the images, producing a burned DVD for each graduate. After watching the slideshow during the ceremony, each senior takes one of the DVDs immediately to his or her family for them to keep, sharing a hug in the process. It is a tradition that leaves many with in the room with wet cheeks as tears overflow filled eyes.

The ceremony would not be complete, however, until the roll call is read and students progress one at a time across the stage to receive their diploma. It is important to verify spelling and pronunciation of names ahead of time. Having a graduation rehearsal is also a good strategy as the seating order can be verified and diplomas can be organized to make the actual event run more smoothly.

Another tactic for reading the names is to have a list of the names in the order the students will be seated. Then, as the graduates process across the stage, hand each of them a blank certificate to be turned in afterward for their real one at a nearby table. The benefit of this is that their diploma remains flat instead of curled and if the students' order gets off due to an absent student it is no big deal. For schools that rent out caps and gowns, this process requires students to turn in their cap and gown or pay off book fees in order to receive their real diploma. Some students, however, find this process tacky and would prefer to clear up these fines prior to the ceremony.

Do not forget to have the graduates transfer the tassel on their cap. High school graduates start with the tassel on the right and move it left. If, however, a graduate is receiving their Masters degree, the tassel will begin on the left and move to the right.

When the event is over, graduates typically process out to more music and meet their family and friends outdoors or in a nearby lobby.

All in all, planning a graduation ceremony is not too difficult since so many school leaders have participated in them. While details matter, being able to go with the flow is just as important. Enjoy the graduation program and demonstrate your pride with confidence.

What do you think of these graduation ceremony ideas? What traditions do you remember having at your graduation program? Please leave a comment below!

Source: History of Graduation