It’s a sad day when you can’t attend a proud ceremonial event like a high school graduation without having to deal with a lot of “drama”.
I attended my niece’s graduation this year where there were at least 300 seniors eagerly anticipating their next step in life – taking the plunge into the real world. The event was held in an enormous college arena. It was crowded, loud and very impersonal. I felt particularly bad as I spotted several frail-looking grandparents, aunts and uncles who were positioned in wheelchairs along a cold, black metal railing. They were being bumped into and passed over by inconsiderate rowdy teenagers attending what should have been a traditional, time-honored event. These elderly, patient and seemingly calm relatives just wanted a glimpse of a grandchild, niece or nephew experiencing one of the great milestones in their life.
The school program listed eight valedictorians (yes eight), and all of them would speak. It took forever to get to the actual calling of the graduates’ names. When they finally got to that part of the “ceremony”, nobody could hear because thousands of people were screaming at the top of their lungs, and horns were blaring all over the place. Those caught blowing the horns were quickly escorted out by police officers. A zoo would have been a more peaceful place.
Afterwards it took us over an hour to find my niece because of all the chaos. That night I vowed never to attend another high school graduation, but had to recant that statement after remembering that my son is two years away from finishing school. What a bitter-sweet thought. Maybe by the time he’s ready to don a cap and gown I will have recovered.
I read about one recent high school graduation, also held in a university gymnasium, where someone was actually killed – shot in the head. Officials said it was gang related and no one from the high school was involved. It was awful to say the least, and so sad.
It makes you wonder what happened to the good old days. What happened to graduations that were actually held at the high school you graduated from? Back when the person calling out the names waited until you received your applause, waved at your family, smiled at the camera, and had your diploma in hand before calling the next name? Remember the nice, respectful ceremony with no horns, loud screams or police protection? It would certainly be nice to be able to capture your child’s “moment” and remember it without all the other distractions. Guess that happens only on television.
It’s all about teaching and training our children how to act, not only at home, but in public too. They need to learn, basically, to respect other people, but most of all to respect themselves.
Until next time, let’s keep it really real.
BY DEE DEE
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