<p>Just came from D’s HS graduation…what bothers me about the ‘shouting out’ is that some kids have TONS of family/friends in the audience resulting in a really loud prolonged cheer for them while other kids literally had just one or two parents who applauded as loud as they could…it felt sort of like a popularity contest…</p>
<p>I prefer when they ask that you hold your applause – not only does it cut down on the time it takes to get thru allll those names but then we can all collectively cheer real loud at the end for EVERYONE’s accomplishment!!</p>
<p>Observations at graduation last night of small private high school:</p>
<p>Last year there were no air horns. This year there were 8-10 if not more that were blasted loudly. Very obnoxious to hear during the ceremony. Security was all over the perps; Purses were opened and air horns found and removed. I was happy about that.</p>
<p>Group of kids who graduated last year, sat near us and shouted out nearly every name immediately after the announcer spoke the graduate’s name. It was almost like a hoot echo. I figure they’re just stupid kids thinking they’re being nice to their friends, but really, they just sounded dumb and it was annoying.</p>
<p>I had no problem with a little cheering. It would be best if everyone would wait until the end, but I’ve never seen that happen. So, at least keep it to a minimum and don’t do it for long enough that the next name couldn’t be heard and enjoyed by that family.</p>
<p>I just remembered, I’ve been to an event, can’t remember if it was a graduation or awards ceremony, that managed to strike a nice compromise. The announcer called out around 10-15 names in quick succession, the students walked over to get their diploma/award, and then there was perhaps half a minute for group applause. Everyone was happy and nobody’s name got drowned out by the cheering.</p>
<p>I also think a big, big part of courtesy is not having the “unpopular” kid, or the kid without family attending, etc. to feel left out when everyone else gets cheered for and his or her name is called and silence ensued. My heart goes out to a kid in such a situation. That, IMO, is the reason you don’t whoop and holler for your own kid. </p>
<p>Isn’t that why we all taught our kids to applaud equally for everyone in a social setting all these years? (We all did that – right?)</p>
<p>At my daughters graduation they had a special ceremony that the majors in her college could choose to participate in. It was the day before the BIG ceremony for the whole school in the outdoor sports area. With about 250 in attendance at the smaller ceremony the graduates hooted and hollered for each other. Some families were also loud (no airhorns, this was an indoor theater and that would have been horrible) but there was at least one finger whistle! But they each got their moment as their presenter said a few words about each one and everyone kept quiet for that. It was terrific and many of them, including my daughter, didn’t even bother signing on for the “traditional” ceremony the next day, we all went out to breakfast instead :)</p>