An Illinois high school withheld diplomas from 5 graduating seniors after audience members celebrated too loudly. The punishment seems heavy handed, but administrators had decided that disruptions, airhorns and fights at previous ceremonies required a response. All students and their parents were notified well in advance of the ceremony that there would be consequences for disruptions.
Affected students could receive their diplomas after performing 8 hours of community service work. That opportunity made me shake my head. At my high school, students performed at least 150 hours of community service work as a graduation requirement.
I’m not bragging, by the way. I wish more high schools and universities had this requirement. At the least, some important work would get done.
So I always tell graduating students to “act like they’ve been there”. It’s an old sports cliche that helps remind players that there’s a time and place for celebration.
I’ve finished several marathons, and at most I put my hands up in the air as I crossed the finish line. Then again, I was very tired after each run!
Why do a few bachelor’s and master’s degree recipients strut across the stage as if it were their personal spotlight? Why do some students decorate their caps to the point of absurdity?
Most graduating students recognize that the ceremony is not their personal showcase. It’s not a Hollywood awards ceremony.
Degrees are earned, not won. Accept the diploma with humility and respect for those who finished before you, and those who never got a chance to walk across that stage.
