Graduation is a significant event that embarks on both the memories of the past and the hopes of a successful future. It represents a person’s achievements and a promising transition to a higher level of skill or specialized training. This type of transition begins with preschool and continues throughout a person’s life, so that he or she may acquire several opportunities to receive more advanced degrees.     

Graduation is a special event that not only provides a chance for students to be recognized for their accomplishments, but it also includes the receiving of an academic degree. It basically involves a ceremony that allows for recognition of those who are considered as candidates who have earned a basic or advanced degree in a particular area. The words, “Graduation day” relate to the celebration of each graduate at a scheduled meeting, which is referred to as a commencement, convocation or invocation.

Most ceremonies at the secondary level almost always entail a semi-formal or academic dress for the ocassion. Graduation ceremonies at the college level occur when the presiding officer confers degrees upon candidates, either individually or in mass groups. The occasion is typically held in a school gym or large area that can seat many people at one time.

It is common for graduates to receive a certificate instead of their actual diploma at the ceremony. This indicates that they did participate in the  graduation festivities. At the high-school level, this process allows administration to withhold diplomas from students who might appear incorrigable during the ceremony. Yet, at the college level, holding the diploma typically allows students—who may need  an additional quarter or semester to satisfy their academic requirements—to participate in the official ceremony with their peers or cohorts before receiving their degree.

Much planning and preparation are required before the initiation of a big event, such as graduation. Decorations, invitations, slideshows and the scheduled meeting place, date and time are all factors that must be considered.

A graduation speech is generally thought of as a public presentation given by a student or an alumnus of a university to a graduating class and their guests. Common themes of the graduation speech include the mentioning of memories of academic activities, honors and accomplishments, as well as the somewhat scare in reminding graduates of the upcoming venture into ‘the real world.’ In some cases, the trend has been to find a celebrity or a politician to deliver the speech—such as President Barack Obama’s Sunday commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame—

To help the graduates—especially during these tough economic times, which may raise insecurities about job prospects and other future plans—here are some of my favorite quotes:

<“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”—Milton Berle

<“Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” —Les Brown

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne. 

Her column appears regularly in the Daphne Bulletin and Spanish Fort Sun.