Graduation Night! C/O 2023

Last night at 6pm, my school held the graduation ceremony for our senior class of 2023. It was later this year than normal; sometimes we hold graduation just a few days after the senior’s last day of school in end of May. There are six main high schools in our district, though, and they rotate each year who goes first, second,…, last for graduation. This year we were second to last, so seniors had a three week gap before their big night.

Graduation is always held at the city’s convention center complex and arena, with the exception of two years ago, when it was held outdoors at our city’s brand new baseball stadium (outdoors due to Covid). Students are asked to arrive to the side room at 5pm, because we all know they won’t get there until around 5:30, and they need time to line up in the correct order and get their caps and gowns on properly. All teachers are invited to meet in the side room as well to be a part of the ceremony, wear their black robes and hoods, walk down as part of the procession, and sit in the front few rows during the ceremony. I always try to be a part of this procession since I teach seniors and want to help make their evening special, but also because it’s an exciting evening and our last chance to say goodbye to our seniors.

I love our school’s graduation. It kind of seems like the Wild West, the rules are a little loose, the parents are free to celebrate how they want and stand where they want for the child’s moment of recognition, the cheers are loud and intense. I remember my brother’s graduation from a neighboring town that was held at the same convention center. It was packed and felt very regulated and restrictive. You couldn’t leave your seat to get closer to the stage when your graduate walked and overall it was more reserved. Our graduation felt like one big celebration and I loved it.

It was an hour and 45 minutes, and we didn’t even have 300 total graduates! I was thankful that the commencement speaker kept her address to less than ten minutes, but even so, we also had speeches from the valedictorian, salutatorian, and class president, along with remarks from the principal, superintendent, and mayor. It can be a lot to sit through, but the speeches were well written and well presented.

After graduation, out faculty has a long-standing tradition to gather at a nearby restaurant and bar to celebrate with pizza, salad, drinks, cake, and give recognition to any retirees that year. I was feeling very sentimental this year because my former mentor teacher (from my first year), former department head, and now current assistant principal is retiring from our school and taking a job as principal in another state. I was so happy for her, especially with her new beachside location, but she really runs the school and organizes so many details that it’s hard to imagine our school without her. She is also wickedly funny, refreshing, and great to talk to.

Congratulations to all graduates from the Class of 2023 and cheers to all retirees moving on to their next stage in life!