I’m just back from watching my nephew graduate from high school. It was, for our area, a large graduating class–580-some-odd members– and boy, was that roll long. Also, I am amazed at just how many friends and loved ones 580-some-odd teenagers have! This commencement was held in an arena which holds 18,000 people, and attendance tonight was pretty damned impressive. Of course, the crowd was rowdy, and “Please hold your applause until…” pleas went totally unheeded. I attend two graduations a year, myself, and know this is the rule, rather than the exception. And, I suppose you are asking for airhorns if you hold your commencement in an arena. But, where else would you put 10,000 hooting, whistling, banner-holding, baby-dandling well-wishers?
I love graduation ceremonies. A graduation ceremony is one place where all–I would bet, pretty close to 100 percent–of the attendees have nothin’ but love in their hearts. The graduates, too, are all so happy, in that combination of relief and pride of accomplishment and whatever-is-coming-next-is-bound-to-be-wonderful eagerness. In an arena which is often used for sporting events, the jumbo-tron equivalent shows each student’s face as he hears his own name and strides proudly across the stage. Tonight, the principal straightened unruly mortarboard tassels so each graduate could have a photo to be proud of. I thought that was lovely.
Sometimes, I hear my colleagues complain about having to attend commencement every spring and fall. Tonight, many people around me (including several members of our extended family) spent almost the entire time visiting with one another or playing games on their cell phones. I get that; three hours is a long time to sit, and when the entertainment isn’t that entertaining (let’s face it, if you’ve heard one commencement address…), it’s even tougher. At my school’s graduation exercises, faculty sit in metal folding chairs, and family members on bleachers. At least tonight there were padded seats.
The thing is, it’s worth it to me. There is so much happiness in that room, so much pride and potential. I love the ceremony, the singing of the alma mater. I love that the graduates who have gone before–the faculty–dress in regalia to welcome the graduates into the fraternity. An occasional student does something totally surprising out of sheer glee, and the crowd laughs. With her, not at her. At a high school graduation, there is a moment after all diplomas have been presented when the students are asked to move their cap tassels from the left to the right side, to indicate that the degree is bestowed. That is a great moment for them. And for everyone who shares it with them.
I am so proud of my nephews, both of whom are great guys with big hearts and wonderful wit and humor. I am delighted to have been able to share this moment with TCT. Great going, kid!
