senior graduation

What Is Graduation?

• It represents academic achievement and the successful fulfillment of all the program’s requirements.
  
  

• It’s often considered a rite of passage, especially from one life stage to another — such as from school to career.
  
  

📜 What Happens at a Graduation Ceremony?

Typical elements include:

• Wearing a cap and gown (called academic regalia).
  
  

• A formal procession of students and faculty.
  
  

• Speeches by school officials, guest speakers, and often a valedictorian (a top-performing student).
  
  

• Calling of names where students walk across the stage to receive a diploma or degree.
  
  

• Turning the tassel on the graduation cap from right to left after receiving the diploma (symbolizing graduation).
  
  

• In colleges, students may receive a degree conferral and, in some cases, a hood if earning an advanced degree (master's or doctorate).