A special graduation

This past Friday, our grandson Finn graduated from high school and for us it was the third time we attended such an event following our two children’s in the late 80s and early 90s. For people coming from Europe, like us, the event was unique because it combines medieval academic rituals with modern cultural celebration, turning a school milestone into a major public rite of passage. 

Unlike what doesn’t happen in most countries, a high school graduation is treated as a large-scale community event with distinctive symbols, music, and personal expression. It’s often held in large venues (stadiums, auditoriums) with hundreds or even thousands of attendees and treated like a once-in-a-lifetime public ceremony, not just an administrative step. 

Students wear caps and gowns (mortarboards and robes), a tradition borrowed from medieval European universities but rarely used for secondary school in other countries. The tassel turning (right to left) and cap tossing are iconic rituals symbolizing the transition from student to graduate. The processional is often accompanied by “Pomp and Circumstance”, a piece that became a uniquely American graduation anthem after Yale adopted it in 1905. 

At that point, diplomas are handed out individually on stage, with each student’s name announced — emphasizing personal recognition. Finally there are the speeches delivered by valedictorians, salutatorians, principals, and guest speakers. These addresses are generally inspirational, often touching on broader social issues (justice, climate, identity). This transforms the graduation into a platform for civic dialogue, not just a school event. 

After the ceremony, families often host graduation parties, or like we did enjoy a good meal at the graduate’s favorite restaurant. sometimes with cultural themes, food, and music. By contrast, in much of Europe, finishing secondary school is acknowledged with exam results or certificates, but no formal ceremony. 

The North American model elevates graduation into a cultural milestone, blending academic tradition, civic ritual, and personal celebration in a way that is rare elsewhere.