Ceremonies with class respect all graduates

Graduation season is in full swing and that means ceremonies and celebrations. I, like many of you, love a good celebration, and for those of you who have attended a Stanton School graduation ceremony, you also know I strongly believe in "graduation etiquette."

I can't tell you how many graduations I've attended where parents and other family members are screaming and hollering when their student's name is called. I always feel sorry for the next person in line because no one hears that student's name. I shake my head and ask myself, where is the respect and common courtesy that each of these students deserve?

As Stanton School's principal, our graduation etiquette is "first we, then me."

Graduations are supposed to be a joyous time for families. Every parent is happy and excited about their child graduating and they can't wait to hear their name called and to see them proudly walk across the stage. I want every child to receive an equal amount of recognition.

Some may call me a stickler for decorum, but when the gymnasium explodes into the thunderous sound of applause after the last student's name is called, there is no better feeling knowing that each name was heard as the student's received their diploma.

To the parents, families, and friends who attended Stanton School's eighth-grade graduation ceremony on May 21, thank you for having class. I am proud to have been your child's principal and you all deserve a round of applause.

To the future graduates and their families, I promise to continue Stanton's tradition of "first we, then me." And finally, to the students in the Class of 2015, be proud of yourselves and your families and friends. Congratulations, best of luck, and carpe diem! Jeff Sefcik

Fox Lake