How Graduations are Celebrated across the world!
By Chloe Cheng
Part 1
Since we have our own graduation at Loreto, I thought why not explore how the world celebrates graduation. There will be Part 2 next issue!
China: Before graduation, the biggest event is called the Gao Kao. It is a university entrance examination. This is incredibly important because their score is a major factor in determining which university and program a student can enter. During graduation, students wear formal clothes, school uniforms or capes. Students, parents and teachers will gather and students will sit in their graduating classes with teachers and school officials at the front. The ceremony opens with the national anthem (Yìyǒngjūn) and the principal gives a speech. A graduating student, usually the valedictorian or student representative, gets on stage and speaks on behalf of the students. After the speeches are awards, where students who achieved particular accomplishments may receive awards or certificates.
THEN THE BIG MOMENT HAPPENS: students receive their high-school graduation certificates. Depending on the school, students may go on stage individually or by class. Some schools may organise performances like singing, dancing, music or other. To conclude, the school can give one final message and farewell. Afterwards, students take class, group and individual photos. Many take photos with their favourite teachers. Friends hug, talk, exchange gifts and write messages for each other. Some students become emotional or cry because they are leaving their classmates. Some students will have a celebration or a celebration meal.
After graduation, students will sit the Gao Kao if they haven’t yet, but if they have, they wait in anticipation for their results to then apply for university.
Summary:
Arrival → Seating → National anthem → Principal's speech → Teacher speech → Student speech → Awards → Graduation certificates → Performances → Final farewell → Ceremony ends → Photos → Goodbyes → Dinner/celebration → University/work.
US: Students will normally complete the subjects and credits that are required for their high school diploma. During their final year, students may apply to universities (scholarships too), colleges, trade schools or jobs. Graduation ceremonies are usually large events attended by students, families, teachers and school officials. Conventionally, students wear graduation caps and gowns, often in their school's colours. The ceremony can start by having guests and graduates sitting down and acknowledge and welcome their presence to the event. The national anthem or another opening performance will start the event. The principal, teachers, valedictorian, and guest speakers will give a speech. Awards and special recognitions are presented. Graduates are called across the stage to receive their diplomas. Students and teachers may give final messages. At the end, graduates may throw their caps into the air, which has become one of the most recognizable and famous graduation traditions. Another tradition is moving the tassel from the right to the left to indicate you graduated officially. After graduation, families and friends take photographs with the graduates. Students often take pictures with their classmates, teachers and friends. Some families hold graduation parties at home or at a venue. Students may receive gifts, cards or money from relatives and friends. After high school, students may attend a university or take another pathway.
Summary:
Arrival → Welcome → National Anthem/Performance → Principal's Speech → Guest/Teacher Speeches → Student Speech → Awards → Diplomas → Cap Toss → Photos → Graduation Party → University/College/Work
