When did High School Graduations become such a big deal?

[Anonymous]

I graduated in 1991 and we did all these things. But I’m from a rural town where the vast majority do not go to college.

[Anonymous]

Other than the yard signs, we did all of this 30 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For most students, this is their one and only graduation. That’s why it’s a big deal.

For most?? No it’s not! lol.

It's very close.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_attainment_in_the_United_States

As of 2018
90% of people in US graduate high school or get GED.

45% of people complete a college degree (including 2-Year Associates). (Unclear how that counts students who enroll directly in a Bachelors program but drop out after 2-3 years without a degree)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s social media. Everything is a big deal now.

Yes! And heaven forbid you only spring for buying the graduation yard signs that the school offers instead of getting one done by a private company/person.

Here's my question: are graduates expected to take a gift to each party they attend? My DD is invited to 22 different grad party/open house type events in the days leading up to graduation and on graduation day. Does she need a gift for each one? Or is it a "your presence is a present enough" type situation?

Absolutely do not need a gift for all those kids.
They are all achieving the same thing so giving each other tons of gifts is ridiculous.

It's always polite to give a gift at a party to return the favor to the host or help defray the cost of hosting -- either food/drink, decor, or a memento.

[Anonymous]

I hear you OP. It almost killed me last year. I told myself I thought the school did it on purpose so we were all so tired and sick of the events we were more than ready for it to be over. Hard to be sad when you are just excited to stop the madness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When HS graduations were moved offsite to places like Constitution Hall, Patriot Center (GMU), Jiffy Lube…

This wasn't done in an effort to be fancy, it was because the schools' enrollment grew too large to allow them hold the ceremony on site.

Most high school auditoriums, or even football stadiums, can't accommodate the families of 500+ graduating seniors. Even with the new venues, many schools still have to limit the number of tickets each student receives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When HS graduations were moved offsite to places like Constitution Hall, Patriot Center (GMU), Jiffy Lube…

I graduated in 2002 and had graduation at the Patriot Center...