Denying HS Diploma Because of Cheers? Penalty too Harsh?

AKA2D '91 · #1 06-02-2007, 11:03 AM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070602/...uation_decorum

I know a student at our HS graduation was denied his diploma because he was DRUNK. He had to stay with me one day before he could receive his diploma.

only because I wasn't to see anymore students.

Then going back to the graduation, it was utterly ridiculous. It was one of the most rowdy spectacles I've seen in a long time. Yes, parents and loved ones are excited, but some things were just over the top. I know I saw police taking those bull horns from guests. I thought I was at a football game.

I know as one progresses academically, the requirements for graduates and families are outlined AND ENFORCED.

Where does one draw the line? Is it only okay for HSs?

carnation · #2 06-02-2007, 11:14 AM

For the last 5 years, our kids' high school graduation ceremonies have been ruined by cheering. Somehow it's got to be stopped and warnings don't do a thing; neither does issuing invitations. People don't just stop at cheering, they get up and do coordinated dances, wave flags, etc.

Our daughter got 2 degrees from Georgia Southern in the past couple of years. We didn't hear her name either time because of the cheering and dancing going on for the guy before or I think, even 2-3 guys before her. No one has the right to ruin a formal ceremony.

I am all for posting policemen every few feet in the stand if that's what it takes.

Senusret I · #3 06-02-2007, 11:17 AM

Decorum is very important to me. I don't even attend high school graduations anymore for that reason.

CrimsonTide4 · #4 06-02-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

School officials said they will hear students and parents out if they appeal. Meanwhile, the school said the five students can still get their diplomas by completing eight hours of public service work, answering phones, sorting books or doing other chores for the district, situated about 150 miles southwest of Chicago.

I think it is a bit harsh to make the students receive the punishment such as this. I say escort the offenders out and keep it moving.

Also, the person calling out the names can space the names out until the noise dies down. It's been about five years since I have been to a HS graduation.

Decorum in general has become a lost art in our society, IMO.

AKA2D '91 · #5 06-02-2007, 11:32 AM

It takes too long if you wait like that. We had over 300 graduates. The ceremony was a little more than an hour. I missed most of GA that night. I believe it was the season finale or the week prior to the finale.

If I wasn't working at a HS, there would be no way that I'd attend a graduation. Since my niece is graduating in '09, and I'm not working at a HS

, I'll be there with bells on.

ageniuschild · #6 06-02-2007, 11:41 AM

I have mixed feelings in regards to the situation. I've attended some HS graduations and have been utterly appaled and embarassed.

In one vein, the graduate can't control his/her family from the stage while they are receiving their diplomas, and limiting the number of attendees (through tickets) doesn't guarantee that your family will act like they have some sense.

I don't think the graduate should be penalized for the antics of their family or friends. I'd have to say...warn your family and friends in advance that if they act up or violate any rules of conduct, they could jeopardize the graduate from receiving their diploma.

Now, I've attended graduations where the actual graduates have acted a stone fool. At that point, yes those graduates should be punished. A lot of students feel they can act up at graduation because it's nothing the school can do at that point.

In recollection, when I finished HS (10+ years ago) you didn't receive your diploma that day, you received the cover that the diploma came in, then you'd receive your diploma in the mail in a week to 10 days. So if you had outstanding fees or whatever...your diploma would be held until you took care of that.

RedefinedDiva · #7 06-02-2007, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ageniuschild

In recollection, when I finished HS (10+ years ago) you didn't receive your diploma that day, you received the cover that the diploma came in, then you'd receive your diploma in the mail in a week to 10 days. So if you had outstanding fees or whatever...your diploma would be held until you took care of that.

This policy doesn't fly for me. I haven't left a graduation yet without my diploma/degree. I REFUSE. I want what's mine the before I leave the premise that day/night. I am not giving the university any extra time to trump up some charges on me. It's been done.

Anyway, I know how out of control HS graduations can be. I can't take them. Some families just go above and beyond what is necessary. However, I can see the flip side as well. Some of these kids may be the first in the family to get a HS diploma. Others, like one of my HS classmates, make it by the skin of their a**es, thus damn near REQUIRING people to cheer. Hell, WE (other graduates) even cut up when one of our classmates' name was called! We had to push, pull, and drag this dude through school! But, most times than not, folks are acting up because they just don't have any decorum.

I attended the law school's graduation a few weeks ago and a few families were a little bit too rowdy for my liking. However, after all the SERIOUS blood, sweat, and tears that it takes to get through law school and the huge achievement that it is, I see why families get excited. While I don't expect MY family & friends to act out too badly, I do want them to represent. This has been a hell of a journey!

ageniuschild · #8 06-02-2007, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedefinedDiva

This policy doesn't fly for me. I haven't left a graduation yet without my diploma/degree. I REFUSE. I want what's mine the before I leave the premise that day/night. I am not giving the university any extra time to trump up some charges on me. It's been done.

Anyway, I know how out of control HS graduations can be. I can't take them. Some families just go above and beyond what is necessary. However, I can see the flip side as well. Some of these kids may be the first in the family to get a HS diploma. Others, like one of my HS classmates, make it by the skin of their a**es, thus damn near REQUIRING people to cheer. Hell, WE (other graduates) even cut up when one of our classmates' name was called! We had to push, pull, and drag this dude through school! But, most times than not, folks are acting up because they just don't have any decorum.

I attended the law school's graduation a few weeks ago and a few families were a little bit too rowdy for my liking. However, after all the SERIOUS blood, sweat, and tears that it takes to get through law school and the huge achievement that it is, I see why families get excited. While I don't expect MY family & friends to act out too badly, I do want them to represent. This has been a hell of a journey!

I wasn't too fazed by not receiving the actual diploma/degree that day. Because I made sure all matters were handled before I walked across the stage.

I think almost every class had that one that graduated "thank-you laude", or are the first in the family to graduate...it's a proud occasion. However if they have excess of 300 graduates and only a small window of time to go through the activities, I don't see anything wrong with having the friends and family wait until all names are called before they cheer. they did that with all of my graduations to move it along...because i know the graduates don't want to sit there for 6 hours, neither do the guests.

Exactly, there is nothing wrong with the family representing and being proud of your acheivement, but if the school has protocol in place for graduation exercises to ensure that every graduate has their moment to shine, i think the family and friends should respect that.

Marie · #9 06-02-2007, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrimsonTide4

I think it is a bit harsh to make the students receive the punishment such as this. I say escort the offenders out and keep it moving.

Agreed...the child and their parents might act right, but that doesn't prevent other family members from acting a fool. Not to mention other students. I know we cheered for other students both in high school and college graduation.

As for the high school diploma itself...i'm sure that it matters a lot to them...however, as someone who couldn't locate my actual high school diploma if my life depended on it...I would tell them to keep it (just so long as you are technically listed as a graduate on transcripts) and keep on moving.

TonyB06 · #10 06-04-2007, 08:50 AM

Solution scenarios:

Scenario 1: leave your most buckwild-prone cousins back at home doing final preparations on the post-graduation party back at the house.

Scenario 2: School officials should after the initial 2 or 3 "extended applauses," stop the program, have security visibly escort the offenders out of the auditorium.

....a word to the wise is sufficient.

pinkies up · #11 06-04-2007, 09:11 AM

I remember my hs graduation. I asked my family to PLEASE act like they really believed that I was going to graduate in the first place. Sometimes there are those children who graduate "thank you lawdy" and you can understand their holy ghost dancing.

Anyway, they were excited since I was in the Top 10. I can see how parents would be bursting with pride, but when I looked in the stands and saw the signs and my mom wiping the tears from her eyes, I kind of understood their joy and pride.
But there is a time and place for everything. I can't say that when my babies graduate and leave home, I'll be the tamest person in the place. However a rule is a rule and they did sign a contract to behave.

Senusret I · #12 05-12-2008, 07:55 PM

I don't believe you. I demand that you tell me which Greeks they were, right this instant.

TotallyWicked · #13 05-12-2008, 08:01 PM

LMAOOOO!

'Shid, you already know cause I told you I'm not about to get my inbox flooded with messages that read 'you are lyin cause none of my frat/sorors would EVER act in that fashion!"

Senusret I · #14 05-12-2008, 08:03 PM

I heard that one offending fraternity recently had their convention at Smurf Village USA.

TotallyWicked · #15 05-19-2008, 05:04 PM

I just learned that my cousin WILL be graduating in about three weeks from the hood high school down the block...anyone want me to film the happenings during the graduation..I am certain a whole lotta foolery is gonna go down!

p.s. does anyone in Chicago know if the Chicago Public School board has made any disciplinary amendments to graduation etiquette? I don't want it to be like my h.s. graduation with the gangstas throwing up their signs while walking across the stage with the principal merely smiling