Graduation

<p>Hi, I'm a homeschooler who's graduating this year, anf I feel that I want to have some sort of graduation ceremony or party before I head off to college. So, for all you homeschooling families out there, what did you do? What are you planning on doing? Any suggestions? Thanks.</p>

<p>Our homeschooling support group has a graduation ceremony every year followed by a dance. This years graduating class is small, with only 8 grads. There were 15 last year, and 12 the year before. Grads and their families cross the stage, and get about 5 minutes to talk about whatever memories or reflections they wish. Some of the parents present homemade diplomas, and some don't. It's very personal and quirky. It is a tightknit homeschooling community, and many of the grads have been very actively involved in the community for a long time. Lots of people start to cry in the middle of their speeches. People bring pot-luck, and the grads mix their own music for the dance. The following year's grads are always there, and get recognized at some point.</p>

<p>We aren't in a homeschool group, so we don't have any formal ceremony. My first son chose to just have a Graduation Open House. I made up a diploma for him and framed it. I made a photo album of his life from birth to graduation to put on display, making sure it had pictures of all important people in his life. For the open house, we barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers, had salads, chips, veggies, and punch, and ordered a nice graduation cake for dessert. It was a nice, informal event, which what my son wanted. </p>

<p>We haven't decided what to do for our second son, graduating in June, but it will probably be similar.</p>