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Graduation, Commencement, And Graduation Party (June 30, 2002)
Graduation
and Commencement
At the end of the school year, graduating seniors at high schools and
universities gather with their families and friends at commencement (graduation)
ceremonies. Universities typically
have a guest speaker, but at high schools the valedictorian and salutatorian
deliver the commencement address.
The graduates wear robes in the colors of their school, and a
"mortarboard" hat with a tassel. Students
who have earned a high grade point average will graduate “cum laude” (with
honors), "magna cum
laude" (with high honors), or "summa cum laude" (with highest
honors). These students often wear a
special colored sash draped over their shoulders or a different colored
tassel. Some students write messages
on their hats, but this is frowned upon.
During the ceremony the students move their tassels to the other side of their
hat, signifying they have graduated. Then
they form lines and walk to the front to receive their diploma.
Each student's name is recited as the school principal or university
official hands them their diploma, which is printed on parchment (high quality
paper). At the end of the ceremony,
despite being told not to in some cases, the students throw their hats high into
the air in celebration. It is
impressive to see several hundred students in colorful robes throw their hats
into the air simultaneously and cheer < http://www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/bhs/Grad%20'99/grad15.html
> < http://commencement.stanford.edu/
> < http://www.commencement.harvard.edu/
>
Graduation Party at School
Schools may host parties for the graduates, even overnight parties.
The party is sometimes held at the school.
Parents and teachers volunteer to chaperone (supervise).
There are games, contests, activities, sports, and movies.
Some even have fake casinos, where the players can win fake money and use
it to buy prizes.
The "Open House"
Graduation Party
Most high school
students, and some college students, have a graduation party to celebrate.
The party is usually at the student's home, although some are held at
hotels and parks. Friends and relatives bring
gifts – a lot of times a gift card containing money.
The family often serves food and punch.
The guests fill the house, and may fill the garage, backyard, and front
yard. Children and teenagers might
play lawn games, such as croquet, lawn darts, or volleyball while the graduate
discusses his/her plans for the future with the adults.
After the party is over, it is traditional for the graduate to write
thank you notes to those who gave gifts.
Newsletter
2 (Japanese)
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