HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY

HONORING YOUR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

WITH STYLE AND TRADITION
There's no greater recognition of a graduate's achievement than a high school
graduation ceremony, or commencement. So, what should you expect on your big
day? Looking to learn how to properly wear a graduation cap and graduation gown?
This guide will show you how to dress the part for your graduation ceremony, so
you’re prepared to take that final step of your high school experience with pride.
THE HISTORY OF THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY
The graduation ceremony is a tradition of saying farewell to not just adolescence,
but also a high school and the faculty that has been a home to students for years.
Yet the high school graduation ceremony procedure has changed over the years.
Today’s ceremonies are often held in stadiums and other larger venues, whereas
previously, the emphasis was on smaller, more intimate affairs. The idea of the cap-
and-gown is a tradition that dates back to Europe and is older than the U.S. itself.
The events surrounding a school graduation ceremony have also changed. The
majority of schools in the early 1900s held various senior-specific events, such as
senior plays, picnics, and the junior-senior banquet. However, these activities are
rarely found in modern American high schools.
Graduation parties were also different. Many high schools would take their seniors
on hiking and backpacking trips across America. One Wisconsin high school in the
1930s even took its students on a 150-mile backpacking trip of Montana.
Technology and transportation have changed the face of the school graduation
ceremony, but what hasn’t changed is the importance and significance of the event
as a landmark moment in a young adult’s academic life.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY: ORDER OF EVENTS

Every high school graduation order of events will differ slightly. High schools have
adopted many of the elements found within college graduation ceremonies. Let’s go
through the order of events found within most high schools.
Procession – The processional part of the order of events may involve a marching
band, the entry of the graduating class, or the singing of the national anthem.
Greetings – Introductions from the principal, the board, and a class representative
to formally kick off the event.
Speakers – Inspirational speeches from the student speaker (usually the class
president), guest speaker, and a former student.
Presentation – Each student will step up to receive their high school diploma. Many
schools now allow students to wear the classic cap and gown.
Finalities – Students may receive a few more words of support, and the event ends
with yet more music. Once the event ends, students can mix with their fellow
students, family, and friends.
Please take note each high school campus may have events and traditions specific
to them included within the order of events. Before graduation, you’ll likely receive a
formal high school graduation program to help you prepare.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION SPEECHES

Speeches have always been an integral part of the graduation ceremony. But who
gives speeches at high school graduation? Again, this usually depends on the high
school.
The principal and various school officials will always have a role in giving speeches.
The class president and the student speaker may be the same person, but not
always. Students with exceptional achievements to be recognized may also be
asked to give a speech.
Larger high schools may also ask a former student to return to provide some
motivational words to the graduating class.
Unlike a political speech, every speech should be no more than a few minutes. The
tone of the graduation speech typically looks to inspire and acknowledge. Injecting
a tone of humor into the speech is welcome. As serious as a graduation ceremony
is, these are not solemn occasions. Putting a smile on everyone’s face is perfectly
acceptable and encouraged.
Which themes should you focus on if you’re writing a speech for your own
ceremony?
The importance of learning, dreaming big, overcoming adversity, and being yourself
are all prevalent themes. Find some additional inspiration by going over some
previous graduation speeches from other students. Your school’s library may have
recorded them for posterity.