Nervous anticipation bubbles up when the violins and French horns strike the first notes of Pomp and Circumstance.  Four years of history, math, science, English, Physical Education, SATs, ACTs, all sorts of standardized tests, pep rallies, football, basketball, baseball games, Homecoming, Prom, for all the school lunches, all the projects, the extracurriculars, the memorized locker combinations, homeroom announcements, passed notes, invitations and senior pictures it has all come down to this:  Graduation.

Getting a diploma was what every high schooler couldn’t wait for (no more classes… unless they went off to college), and what every parent dreams of (a chance for their precious child to get a good education!)   After listening to the (hopefully) great speech from the Valedictorian (or speaker of your school’s choice), near-alumni embarked on the walk to the podium.  Receiving of a diploma is one of the most photographed moments in a high school career, but after it happens, it’s suddenly… over.  In Say Anything Lloyd knew it was his last chance with Diane before she moved away after graduating, prompting what might be the most romantic moment in 1980s cinema.  For Rocky Dennis in Mask, it meant a chance to live a normal life.

So, let’s drop all the mushy-mushy goodbye stuff and focus on what was really important; the graduation parties!  This was a prime opportunity for a senior to cash in on the momentary celebrity that comes with the excitement of graduation.  Food, music and good laughs abounded as family, and friends would all swing by to eat some food, listen to music and share good memories… and maybe drop off a card with a little money inside.

At the end of the day, Graduation was pretty simple.  The end of one thing and the beginning of another.  Promotion.  Moving on and moving forward.  The next phase.  All you had to do was move your tassel from the left to the right, and when it came time to toss your cap, you just had to be careful not to poke your eye out!  After all, there was still a lot to see in this world.