Posted by Kanga.
There she is in the front row looking up to search the crowd for her parents.
Standing in line for that trip across the stage and that well earned piece of paper
Just look at all the wingdings after her name. They stand for National Honor Society, North Carolina Academic Scholar, Honor Graduate, and Academically/Intellectually Gifted.
The proud grandparents
Proud DaddyBird and his BabyBird
There were 4 speeches and 400 graduates, yet it only took 1 hour and 15 minutes start to finish. A well oiled machine, I’d say. This is due in large part to the strict instructions that grads and guests received. “Guests will not be allowed to approach the stage to take photographs or to videotape. … We ask all parents and their guests to refrain from yelling out, screaming, clapping, or acting in any inappropriate manner as names are called. Diplomas are not awarded to seniors who conduct themselves in an inappropriate manner or whose guests disrupt the solemnity of the ceremony.” There was also a rule against bringing any flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, or gifts into the ceremony.
You almost could have heard a pin drop in that place as the names were called. Only two pebbles were thrown into that pond – one grad fell down in the middle of the stage and one family disregarded the noise prohibition and proceeded to whoop and holler for their grad. They were promptly escorted out. As she was leaving the grandmother said “We came too far to be quiet!”
The rules seemed a little harsh, but I am very thankful. It was a pleasant ceremony. Of course, once everyone had their diploma and it was time to turn the tassels, the cheering began.
Living the Travel Channel 