Posted by Donna on June 30 2008 at 23:59:25:
In Reply to: Wow! Great graduation ceremony 6/28 !! posted by Kathy on June 30 2008 at 16:46:18:
My son graduated on 6/28 at the Forum and it was also our first homeschool graduation ceremony. He was my first to homeschool and is the last. My daughter had graduated from public school in 1999 (in comparison, even my daughter felt that her graduation ceremony was "boring" compared to her brotherīs). My son debated about attending since he didnīt "know" anyone and also was concerned about the cost of gas for the trip ( we are from Northeast Pa Poconos). I told him that you only graduate from High School ONCE in your life and I really believed that he would regret not going later on. Plus who else gets to graduate at the State Capitol !! The backdrop for pictures would be great ! I had also wanted to see the rainbow of colors of the gowns which I thought would be so unique for a graduation and so symbolic of diversity. We were SO VERY happy that we had attended !! It was a FABULOUS ceremony !! I had tears in my eyes during the majority of the program. The rainbow of colored gowns was, as anticipated, so different and beautiful to see. All of the speakers, musical performances and skit were EXCELLENT and such talent !! It was very well organized and planned, and considering there was no rehearsal, it was executed flawlessly! Handing my son his diploma and moving his tassel was very special and touching, a moment that will always be cherished in our hearts. My son was so glad that he had decided to attend and he met and talked to several other graduates. He really felt connected to the Class of 2008. They gave the families the option to speak if they wanted to, and it was so touching to hear what they all had to say. So much love and support was felt in that room that day. I was thinking over and over in my head as I left my seat till the time I got on stage "Should I or shouldnīt I, should I or shouldnīt I". I decided to faced my fear of public speaking and said a few words. Later, I remembered that those SAME EXACT words were repeating in my head when I was contemplating the decision to homeschool six years ago ! I had at that time a "fear".... homeschooling. I feared that I wouldnīt know how to do it. I thought how ironic it was that I would be thinking those same words at the start and end of our homeschooling experience.
Homeschooling was THE BEST decision I had ever made and I am truly going to miss it ! If anyone has those same doubts right now, that I had 6 years ago.....YOU CAN DO IT !! You wonīt regret it.
It was also nice to see and talk to some of the graduates at Old Country Buffet after the ceremony !
I also agree with Kathy regarding the cell phones. Some may have just forgotten to turn them off in the excitement of the occasion and a reminder would be nice.
THANK YOU , Dr.and Mrs.Richman, for all your dedication, hard work, support and guidance that you have offered to the homeschoolers of Pa. May God Bless you and your family and continue to guide you in the service you offer to Pa.homeschoolers.
Good Luck & Best Wishes to the Class of 2008 and to all Pa Homeschoolers !!
Donna --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ PA Homeschoolers Message Board! ]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Kathy on June 30 2008 at 16:46:18:
My daughter and I attended our first PHAA graduation ceremony as spectators at the Forum in Harrisburg this past Saturday. (I wanted her to see what she could be looking forward to in a few years.) We were both SO impressed! What a lovely and well-run ceremony! Congratulations on a job well done. The student performances (speeches, musical performances and skit) were excellent. We were so impressed by the kidsī poise and talent. The commencement speaker was good too, managing to speak to both parents and graduates, touching each group. I really liked the variety of colors in the gowns, and when they marched in to īPomp and Circumstanceī, felt tears in my eyes. (Which was completely ridiculous, since I didnīt even have a child graduating.) You could see how excited and nervous the kids were, and how special this ceremony was to them. Letting each family present the diploma to its graduating senior was very special.
THANK YOU for providing yet another wonderful service to homeschoolers in Pennsylvania!
I have one tiny suggestion: please remind adults in the audience to turn OFF their cell phones at the beginning of the ceremony. You wouldnīt think it would be necessary, and I was amazed at the number of cell phones that went off during the ceremony, often during the musical pieces, which was really a shame. Maybe a reminder in the program would be useful too.