Graduation

Easley Home Educators began holding graduation ceremonies in 1996, and every year since (except 1997 when they had no seniors) have done a graduation program. What is offered here is only a suggestion from their experience. If there are other groups that do graduation ceremonies, SCHEA would welcome your suggestions.

Invitations for graduation has varied with the different classes. Several times they have opted to order invitations from a local printer. Other times they have chosen to each make their own individualized invitations. As with many things in home schooling, we have tried to cater to the individual desires of each family.

When it comes to the ceremony, there have been certain constants: they always wear cap and gown (though we’ve gone through forest green, burgundy, navy blue and royal blue as far as colors). They always have a speaker – legislators, pastors, military personnel, friends. There is always music – sometimes by the seniors themselves, sometimes by friends of the seniors. Beginning in 2001 when we produced a power point presentation of all the seniors. The Last Will and Testament of the seniors is generally included in the program. Processional music has been Pomp and Circumstance, but Recessional music has varied with each class. My favorite was the Class of 2002 which was the first to use “Take Your Candle, Go Light Your World” as the parents lit a taper from a master candle and passed the torch on to their children. Usually the junior class representatives lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Always the parents are involved. In 1996 the parents wrote a final word to their student, which was read by the Master of Ceremonies as the parents presented their child with his diploma. The Classes recently have been large enough that only names are read as parents presented diplomas. The message to the seniors from the parents is included in the program. There is very little written in stone for graduation, and each class has reflected their own personality in the program.

Immediately following the graduation there is always a reception. Again, this has gone from simple – cake, punch and finger foods – to quite elaborate. The senior mothers provide all the food while the junior mothers and other volunteers help to set up, serve and clean up afterwards. It is one final night of being together before life leads them on to many other avenues.