The students had the opportunity to vote to hold their graduation ceremony in an indoor venue but were unified in their feeling that graduating on the field was tradition. It allows anyone (who can brave the heat, port-o-potty's, parking problems and stadium seating) to attend. For many it may be the only graduation they will ever see. For all it was a great moment of pride. Any graduation is special but to graduate with students from all different walks of life with plans as varied as the languages they speak is uniquely theirs. There were over 5,500 people filling the stands, hillsides and sidewalks surrounding the field. It was hot. Beyond hot. There were many emergency personnel and vehicles at the ready and water was available everywhere. I didn't see anyone actually succumb to the heat but it was comforting knowing it was there. Hopefully, people who knew they would have heat related discomfort stayed home. This was dangerous heat.
The 595 graduates (610 actually graduated but 595 made the decision to walk) made their way onto the field and listened to all the speeches by classmates, politicians and administrators before accepting their diplomas. Our Mayor Mark Boughton spoke to the students who have become his number one twitter fans! They behaved incredibly well...better than some of the family members in the stands! The graduates treated this as a solemn celebration of hard work and discipline. You could see their individual enthusiasm by scanning all the decorated caps! That was spectacular and I'm so glad they were allowed to individualize their graduation by that one creative act. I know some schools do not allow the students to decorate caps. I don't get it. Graduation is over and the steps toward the next goal have to be taken. This is a good thing.  |
| This is my son's decorated cap. He's attending The Hartford Art School at The University of Hartford. One paintbrush fell off during the ceremony! |
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