Let's All Be Respectful At Graduation - Commentary on 2012 GBN Graduation

This past Sunday over 500 young men and women graduated from Glenbrook North High School, one of the strongest and most respected academic high schools in the area.  It was a beautiful day and there were thousands of family and friends on hand to witness and watch the procession at Glenbrook North High School in the Sheely Center for the Performing Arts.  

The event usually takes about 90-120 minutes to complete as speeches are shared and each graduate walks the stage to receive a diploma and hand shakes from the principal and school board.  It's a lovely ceremony and I have been honored to witness two of my students now in this ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony unfolding, the principal of the school requested all audience members to hold applause or cheering until ALL graduates had been announced and walked the stage.  This instruction was given out of respect to allow all names to be heard and not drowned out by cheers for a prior graduate.  Additionally, the instructions are given to help the ceremony move along and not become a four to five hour event.  

Once the names started to be announced, several families found it necessary to ignore the instruction and began cheering for their graduates.  After one third of the names had been announced, the principal decided to stop the ceremony and make the announcement again so that all could enjoy the event without distraction.  It seemed rather clear at the time his instructions were there to help all enjoy and give respect to the students who had all worked hard to receive this moment.

However, within 3 minutes of his announcement a family located near me decided they were above this rule and let out a loud cheer and holler for their student as he walked the stage.  Within minutes others were following their obstinate and rebellious lead.  Although the ceremony proceeded, it became apparent some in the audience could not contain themselves or respect the greater number present for the ceremony.  

Why do some feel the need to be special and disobey rules such as these at moments like this?  In this same light, I read in South Carolina of a women who was arrested for this same action.  Her charge was disorderly conduct.  Disorderly conduct is a good description to describe the actions of these few who have chosen to stand out and be special in this instance.  Perhaps, a few policemen stationed along the wall of the Sheely Center would stop the disorderly conduct.  However, I don't think we really need to go to that extent.  

Let's just try to do better and SHOW SOME RESPECT TO THE RULES!  It's not hard to be silent and wait until all have been mentioned and then let out the loudest hoot and holler one has ever heard.