Rant Wednesday: Graduation Ceremony Etiquette

It is that exciting time of year where many are graduating from high school, college, and post-graduate degree programs.

It is an amazing accomplishment that deserves recognition.

The part of the ceremony that is the subject of today's Rant Wednesday is the lack of etiquette that is sometimes displayed at graduation ceremonies.

Here are three issues that stand out:

1) Over-Cheering - Now, don't jump all over me for this one. It is understandable to want to scream to the rooftop for your graduate. They have worked hard and have overcome obstacles. Some stories are way more involved that we can imagine. That being said, the issue with the over-cheering is not the celebration itself. It is, however, the fact that someone else's family will miss the chance to hear their graduate's name being called due to the excessive celebrating of another family. It is not fair to rob that family of the same joy.

2) Seating - This is a major issue at many ceremonies. While the attendees cannot do much about it, the best we can do is be respectful by allowing room for others to sit down (not using a seat for your purse or other belongings) or by giving your seat to someone who may be disabled, elderly, or a mother-to-be.

3) Talking during speeches - Believe it or not, some of us actually like to hear all of the speeches. :) Talking during the ceremony prevents others from being able to hear the speaker. It is also disrespectful to the speaker who has spent time and thought preparing to address the graduates and families.

Again, graduation is a phenomenal time and it deserves time, attention, and respect! Let's be courteous to one another so we can enjoy graduation to its fullest potential.

Can anyone relate or have stories to share?

Have something you want to sound off on in a future edition of Rant Wednesday? Email me at michaidanawrites@gmail.com.