As students gear up for the end of the year, some prepare for diplomas and that ceremony known as graduation.
For many, it is a time of celebration and a long-awaited pay-off after several years of all-nighters, writer’s block and endless assignments and projects.
“I think we’ve spent enough time being serious in school for almost 20 years,” said Amanda Parks, an expected spring 2005 graduate. “Graduation is a time to celebrate. Life’s too short to be uptight all the time.”
However, in past years, university officials have been known to remove any items or party favors that students have brought onto the graduation floor.
Students bring things fastened under their gowns, under their hats or any other way that they can sneak something into the ceremony.
“Graduation should be fun because it is your last hoorah after working hard for the past four years, if not more,” said Jewel Franklin, who expects to graduate in summer 2003.
Many students will bring party favors and things such as beach balls, balloons, silly string, streamers and much more to play with during the graduation ceremony.
Some even decorate their caps with artwork and bright colorful designs.
Although some schools simply have the entire graduating class stand up at one time, ETSU still calls each graduating student by name.
This process can leave some students restless, while others simply see it as more time to celebrate and have fun.
Julie Harless, a Roan Scholar, plans to make her cap festive when she graduates in the spring of 2004.
“I think it should be fun. People have worked hard for four long years. Let them enjoy their day,” she said.
While many students feel that graduation is a time to have fun and celebrate, many students like Jason Coffey, who will graduate in spring 2004, feel that graduation is a time that should be solemn and revered.
“I think it should be a formal event. It’s something that you have worked for and should be held in high esteem,” Coffey said. “After all, you don’t go to the Peerless in jeans and a T-shirt, do you?”
As December’s graduation approaches, time will only tell what the students will plan and how the university will react. The same can be said for graduation ceremonies two or three semesters down the road.
“It’s supposed to be fun because we’re approaching a new part of our lives that we (theoretically) should be looking forward to, so why not celebrate?” said David Littleford, who graduates in spring 2004. “Plus, no more papers.

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