Respect at graduations
I have been disturbed by the amount of disrespect that friends and family show at high school graduations by shouting and making loud noises when names of graduates are called.
Recently I attended a high school graduation in Spartanburg, S.C., and, before the names were called, an announcement was made that if anyone clapped, shouted or made noises of any kind while names were called, the police would escort them out. A few were.
Guilford County Schools administrators should take notice, and before graduation in 2009 this issue should be addressed.
I am sure most parents would enjoy a graduation that is handled with respect. (GCS administrators should read an article in the June 11 News & Record, Section B, “Seven arrested after cheers disrupt graduation.”)
Elizabeth East
Whitsett
Comments (2)
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Ms. East, I totally agree, having attended a graduation myself last month, and I was appalled at the boorish behavior shown by everyone..
But, if you expect administrators of our local public school system to enact any discipline at graduations, you might take a look at what happens in schools every day. Why should graduations have any more discipline. Most of our schools are a zoo every day of the year.
Posted on July 3, 2008 8:33 AM
OK, but who gets to define "respect?" In my family, we were taught that "respect" at a graduation means sitting quietly until all the graduates have come across the stage, and then clapping for everyone. But some of my friends' families have a different tradition. For them, "respect" means clapping and shouting loudly and publicly acknowledging their family member or friend when it's their turn on the stage.
I know all the reasons about why we're not supposed to do that. "It's loud," "it's disruptive," "it takes too much time," "you can't hear the next person's name being called," "it's just not proper," etc. But honestly, sometimes I envy those who are willing to joyfully and unashamedly and yes -- loudly -- celebrate the accomplishments of those they love. It doesn't disturb me or appall me, it just makes me smile. :)
Posted on July 3, 2008 5:37 PM