Graduation Planning Tips
Emphasize that graduation is a school program that recognizes the students' accomplishment of completing the eighth grade (and/or kindergarten), not an eighth-grade class or parent program. At the same time, you will want to work with the graduates and their parents to develop an appropriate and meaningful program. Each year's program can be modified to fit the size and personality of the graduating class.
Consider including some of the following individuals as participants in the graduation:
- Classmates in other grades
- Teacher(s)
- Pastor
- School Board Chair
- Parents
- Friend or relatives
A possible graduation program might include:
- Processional
- Invocation
- Special music
- Poem or reading
- Verse choirs
- Welcome
- Aim and motto
- Class Scripture
- Awards
- Thank you to parents, church, school board, and community
- Tribute to parents that includes a short speech and flowers
- Tribute to volunteers
- Class history
- PowerPoint presentation of the class members
- Class goals
- Class president's address
- Introduction of speaker
- Graduation address
- Presentation of diplomas
- Invitation to reception
- Dedication/benediction
Conclude the graduation with a small reception. The reception may be organized by:
- The Home and School
- Parents of the students
- Church social committee