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How to Write an Inspirational Graduation Speech: Ideas and Examples

Last updated on January 06, 2023 - © Free-Sample-Letter.com

The Speech of a Graduation Ceremony

A graduation ceremony speech is typically given by a member of the faculty, a school administrator or a distinguished guest. The purpose of the speech is to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class and to offer words of wisdom and encouragement as they move on to the next phase of their lives.

The speech may also include a review of the highlights of the students' time at the school and a reflection on the values and lessons that they have learned. The speaker may also offer congratulations to the students and their families, and may address any challenges or obstacles that the students may have faced along the way. Overall, a graduation ceremony speech should be inspiring and uplifting, and should help to set the tone for the celebration of the students' accomplishments.

Crafting a Graduation Ceremony Speech: Our Writing Tips

Here are some tips for writing an inspirational graduation ceremony speech :

• Start by considering your audience: What will be most meaningful for them to hear? What stories or lessons can you share that are relevant to their lives and experiences? Think about what will inspire them, motivate them and encourage them as they continue on their journey.
• Focus on the positives: A graduation ceremony is a time to celebrate accomplishments and to look ahead to a bright future. Avoid discussing any negative experiences or challenges.
• Keep your speech brief: Graduation ceremonies can be lengthy, so try to communicate your message in an efficient way that won't lose people's attention.
• Include some humor: A bit of humor is always welcome and helps to lighten the mood. Just be mindful that your jokes are appropriate and won't offend anyone.
• End on a high note: Wrap up the speech with an inspiring quote or call to action that will leave a lasting impression on the graduates.

Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of a Diploma: a Sample Speech Easy to Adapt

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We would like to welcome you all here today for our (name of event) and wish to thank you all for your support.

This is a traditional day for us here at (name of university, etc.), we have been proud to hold this diploma presentation ceremony for our students since (1935). Each year, those graduating receive their final step in their chosen studies, enabling them to now use their newfound knowledge and experience to further their professional career.

We have (5) different categories to present today that are: (list the names of the different categories).

I am honoured to be able to present these diplomas today to you all, I (explain some of your history, why you are able to be presenting today) and I am here today on behalf of (state if you are representing a particular company/organization).

We will start the (afternoon) off with the (name of) category.

I would like to present this to (Mr. Michael M. Smith/Miss X.), from (city/state or country), who has earned this diploma through (his/her) hard work, dedication to learning and enthusiasm for the subject during the (3 year) course to achieve beyond what was expected of (him/her) at the beginning of (2008) when (he/she) first begun (his/her) studies here at (name of university etc.).

(Michael/Miss X.) has demonstrated some very unique qualities during (his/her) time here with us, (he/she) has the ability to (here you might like to add some of his special qualifications which make the person stand out).

These talents have not only helped (him/her) through his journey of study but have also shown how (he/she) is able to be an involved and well-liked member of the community here at (Name of University) as many of (his/her) friends have shared with me some of (his/her) special personal attributes such as (list a few here).

On that note, would (Michael/Miss X) please come forward.

(Wait until the person is in front of you, present the diploma and read the heading and title out loud as you present it to them).

If you would like to say a few words please go ahead...

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4 minute read

Commencement

The culmination of education for the high school student, the commencement ceremony, or graduation, is a major event and transition point for students, parents, and teachers. It is a time for students, parents, and teachers to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments. Students take pride in having met the graduation requirements that were established by their state and local board of education; parents celebrate the accomplishments of their children; and teachers and school administrators commemorate the fruits of their labors. Commencement exercises serve as a transition point for the individual members of the graduating class who will follow diverse paths into futures that may include higher education, the military, and the world of work.

The purpose for the commencement exercise is to acknowledge the students who have successfully met the requirements for high school graduation, usually with the presentation of a diploma. Graduation requirements differ from state to state and from school district to school district within a state. The accountability movement that took place during the 1990s resulted in more stringent requirements for high school graduation, leading to the creation of state tests that students must pass in order to earn a traditional diploma. States have responded to demands that high school graduates must be able to demonstrate mathematical and language skills needed for success in higher education and the workplace by creating a series of diplomas. The traditional diploma that was once awarded to all students who participated in the commencement exercise has been replaced in some states by differentiated diplomas and certificates. The new diplomas include the traditional diploma, diplomas for exceptional students whose handicapping conditions prevent them from meeting all graduation requirements, and certificates of attendance for students who have attended classes without passing all graduation requirements. By replacing the traditional diploma with awards that differentiate between students based on their achievement, high schools attempt to clearly designate the knowledge and skills of students who have completed study.

The typical commencement ceremony takes place in the school auditorium, gymnasium, or football stadium. Parents, friends, and teachers are usually seated in designated areas prior to the time scheduled for the ceremony to begin. School officials are typically assembled on a stage in front of the assembled guests, and special seating is reserved for the graduates between the stage and the audience. At the appointed time, the graduates march into the arena as music is played by the school band or over the public address system. Students may be dressed in matching caps and gowns; some students may wear special insignia that denotes membership in honor societies or other significant accomplishment. The ceremony usually includes speeches by the senior class president, the valedictorian, and a guest speaker. Instrumental or choral music may be included in the program. The culminating event is the presentation of graduates and the presentation of diplomas and certificates. Students are often called to the stage to receive their diplomas from the principal.

At some schools students are given responsibility for the program. At these commencement programs, students may talk briefly about their studies, discuss their accomplishments, or present a short play to dramatize some school experience. They may also recognize honor students or students whose accomplishments have been outstanding. The commencement program can include weeklong demonstrations and exhibits of student work prior to the ceremony.

Commencement planners encountered a number of challenges during the last two decades of the twentieth century. One of these challenges was finding a facility large enough to accommodate the families and friends of graduates who wanted to attend the celebration. Schools often use their school football stadium if one is available. This decision often solves one problem only to create another if weather conditions are not conducive to an outdoor ceremony. Since commencement programs typically occur in the spring, rain and lightning may force the program indoors. If weather does force the program indoors, the number of parents and guests who can attend may be limited.

Another potential problem for school officials is graduate behavior at commencement. Some students choose to celebrate by engaging in minor pranks at their commencement, such as throwing a beach ball around during speeches to handing the principal a marble as the diploma is presented. Students may also decorate their caps with decorations or a message. Educators who believe that commencement should be a formal ceremony have tried a number of strategies to prevent pranks from occurring and have enjoyed varying degrees of success.

During the second half of the twentieth century, United States courts handed down a number of rulings that defined the constitutional relationship between public schools and religion. None of those rulings directly addressed the constitutionality of prayer at public school commencement. The rulings did, however, limit prayer initiated by school officials in the classroom and at school events such as football games. Prior to these rulings, it was common practice for schools to invite a local clergy member to pray as a part of the commencement program. As schools wait for the United States Supreme Court to rule on prayer at commencement, some high schools are content to allow students to pray if they so choose while others expressly forbid students who make presentations from praying.

Some elementary and middle schools conduct an end-of-year ceremony that is similar to the high school commencement. These ceremonies typically include the presentation of awards and recognition of student accomplishments. They do not include the presentation of a diploma. Elementary and middle school ceremonies that closely parallel the high school commencement have been criticized as being inappropriate for students who may be tempted to drop out of school before high school graduation.

See also: S ECONDARY E DUCATION , subentry on C URRENT T RENDS .

BIBLIOGRAPHY

B AGIN , D ON , and G ALLAGHER , D ONALD . 2001. The School and Community Relations. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

H UDGINS , H ERBERT , and V ACA , R ICHARD . 1999. Law and Education: Contemporary Issues and Court Decisions. Charlottesville, VA: LEXIS.

K ERMIT B UCKNER

Additional topics

• Commerce of Education - Trade Agreements and the U.S. Economy, Educational Changes, Theory
• Johann Comenius (1592–1670) - Contributions, Works

Education - Free Encyclopedia Search Engine Education Encyclopedia: Classroom Management - Creating a Learning Environment to Association for Science Education (ASE)

Home and family ,  Holidays

Presentation of diplomas: a scenario and recommendations.

Student years are the most interesting and memorable time in the life of every person. Active youth combined with professional training makes this period the most intense and bright. But here the goal is achieved, and ahead - the delivery of diplomas. The scenario of such an event must be prepared in advance in order to put a worthy and emotionally saturated point after the next life stage. In the past, years of study and preparation for exams remain , ahead of such a crucial and difficult period as professional development. In the organization of such an important ceremony, finishing the student's years, it is necessary to observe two important stages.

Organizational stage

To implement the emerging ideas and determine a clear strategy, you need to create a creative group. Such an event as the awarding of diplomas, the script of which should correspond to the topic of the event, requires the participation of both the students themselves and the teachers. Better if a group of graduates will be led by a representative of the teaching staff or student asset. Handing diplomas happens to most people once in a lifetime, so you need a guiding hand of a person experienced in such matters. At this stage it is necessary to identify the responsible persons for the preparation of the scenario and design. You should consider the possibility of handing flowers and gifts, determine the amount of material costs. The announcement of the teachers' holiday, the preparation of invitations, organizational questions about the venue and time of the celebration - all these moments should be as specific as possible.

Preparatory stage

At this stage, all preparatory work for the holiday should be implemented. If necessary, the creative group can meet to resolve any issues that have already arisen during the preparation phase. Possible scenarios of the prom must be carefully discussed. Choosing the most optimal option, corresponding to the physical and material capabilities of the participants of the upcoming celebration. In the scenario, it is necessary to observe certain traditions, for example, first-timers and graduates of evening departments should be the first to receive diplomas. To implement an individual approach to each student, you can prepare a presentation, where next to the graduate's photo will be listed his achievements, albeit not loud, but clearly characterize it. Thus, each student will remember such an important event in his life as the awarding of diplomas. The script should reflect not only the importance of this event for students, but also show the importance of teachers in the learning process. A pleasant surprise for teachers can be the reciprocal handing of diplomas, but already from students. They can be comic and reflect not only professional qualities, but also the character traits of teachers, of course, only in a positive way.

Such a ceremony as the awarding of diplomas, the script of which is carefully thought out, can smooth misunderstandings and problems inevitably arising in the learning process. And in the memory of teachers and students, these years will remain the most light and pleasant.

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Watch HGSE's Presentation of Diplomas and Certificates

• Posted May 24, 2023
• By News editor

Following the University Ceremonies in Harvard Yard, HGSE diplomas and certificates are awarded to all graduates (both doctoral and master's) on stage in Radcliffe Yard. Dean Long will give her address; graduates will be individually presented with degrees and will walk across the stage.

For more information on Commencement 2023, visit:  https://www.gse.harvard.edu/commencement .

The latest research, perspectives, and highlights from the Harvard Graduate School of Education

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Graduation Ceremony Order of Service

A homeschool graduation can be unique and quirky, formal and traditional, or anywhere in between! To help you get started, here are a few elements common to many commencement ceremonies.

Pre-Ceremony Slideshow or Musical Performance

The 5-10 minutes before the graduation starts is an opportunity to more fully celebrate your students. A slideshow of your graduate’s senior pictures, accompanied by pre-recorded music, can be enjoyable for your guests. If you have musically-talented graduates, this time could also be used for an instrumental prelude. Whatever you chose, remember that guests will still be taking their seats, getting settled, or conversing. Beginning the a musical prelude without introduction allows the buzz of activity to continue without interruption. With a slideshow, it may be best to begin looping through the pictures before your guests begin to arrive.

Processional

Most graduation ceremonies begin with the graduates taking their seats at the front of the room. This is a very formal moment that can feel a little strange if you have only a few graduates. But don’t miss the significance of this moment: the students are approaching the stage in the presence of their family and friends, symbolizing the interdependent nature of their education and the communal aspect of the milestone.

It’s traditional to play the song, “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates process to their seats. Another great option would be a well-known hymn such as “Be Thou My Vision”, “O God Our Help In Ages Past”, or “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”.

Welcome and Prayer

After the graduates have taken their seats, it’s common to welcome both the graduates and their guests and to begin the ceremony with a prayer of thanksgiving. Traditionally, this would be done by the Master of Ceremonies – typically the head of the school or organization. In a small homeschool group, it could be a parent of one of the graduates; sometimes it’s even a graduate on behalf of the graduating class.

Special Music or Student Speeches

This part of the ceremony will depend on the size of your graduating class. If you have just a few students, you may be able to dedicate a few minutes to each of them for musical performance, student speeches, or parental blessings. With a larger group, it may work better to choose one or two students to perform or speak on behalf of the rest. Some very large statewide organizations ask students to submit audition videos for these spots, while schools usually expect the class valedictorian to speak.

Commencement Address

Here, the keynote speaker addresses the graduates on behalf of their parents, teachers, family and friends. The commencement addresses congratulates the students on their achievements, and exhorts them to live purposefully and fruitfully as stewards of the gifts and privileges they’ve been given.

Keynote speakers at homeschool graduations range from parents to homeschool leaders, pastors or public figures. Whoever you choose, be sure to set clear expectations about content and timeframe – especially if your chosen speaker isn’t already a part of your community.

Presentation of Diplomas

At last, it’s time to present the graduates with their diplomas! This is another moment that can vary greatly depending on the size of your graduating class. We’ve seen many different approaches, including:

• The president of the homeschool organization presents the diplomas as the students file across the stage
• Parents and graduate meet in the middle of the stage, where the graduate presents the mother with a rose, and the father presents the diploma to the graduate
• Parents and Graduate go onstage together, where the parents present the diploma after a short speech

The focus here is on recognizing each student individually, even if only for a brief moment. After the graduate has received their diploma, they return to their seat – possibly pausing with their parents first for a photographer to snap their photo.

Turning of the Tassels

A brief and ceremonial moment after the graduates have all returned to their seats, the turning of the tassels represents the official moment when the students become graduates. The Master of Ceremonies congratulates the students and instructs them to stand and turn their tassels: for High School graduates, the tassel starts on the right side and is moved to the left at this moment. The Emcee may then call on the guests to congratulate the graduates with a round of applause. This may even be with a word of presentation such as, “I present to you the graduating class of 2024!”

Pronouncement and Closing

Possibly in connection with the turning of the tassels (see above), the Master of Ceremonies here presents the seniors to the guests as official graduates. A prayer and/or song helps to bring the ceremony to a close.

Recessional

The graduates are the first to leave their seats, again representing their “going forth” with the support and encouragement of their family and community. It’s appropriate here to play celebratory music, or for the guests to sing a hymn of exhortation or thanksgiving – such as “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”, “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”, or even “Rise Up, O Men of God”. 

Invitation to Reception

Finally, the Master of Ceremonies thanks the guests for attending and invites them to stay for the reception, if there is one.

with a CC Certificate of Completion

Honor your child’s achievement with a beautiful, custom certificate – available for Foundations, Essentials, and Challenge A-IV.