There is no better feeling than those felt by the graduate. Saying goodbye to halls they’ve walked for years, teachers who’ve challenged them to be their best, and friends they’ve known a lifetime. At the same time, they’re saying hello to a world filled with opportunity, new friends, new experiences, new paths to choose, and an awesome freedom to set goals, reach dreams and make life what they want it to be. Within the next week or two, many seniors will be walking the isle to receive their well-earned diploma. For most graduates, a party will follow so that family and friends can celebrate their accomplishments, congratulate and support them, present them with cards and gifts and inquire about future plans.

With all the time and effort that goes into this event, there are several things families and graduates can do that will ensure a smooth running and memorable celebration for all.

Invitations

• Invitations should be sent at least six weeks in advance for out of town guests and four weeks for in town guests. Included in the invitation should be directions and a map of the party location. Also, for out of town guest, include a list of hotels with different price ranges. Many hotels offer blocks of rooms at discounted prices. Absolutely no e-mail invites. Very tacky!
• Many schools have limited seating for guests. This can cause difficulty in deciding whom to invite. Use consideration when making your decision. Most people will understand if you explain there is limited seating. There is only so much one can do.

The Party

•  Make a checklist of items to purchase and tasks to do. This will help you stay focused, and not forget something important. From renting tables and chairs, party food, or do ahead projects, a checklist is an invaluable resource.
•  As with most things, there may be a glitch or two. This will not ruin your party unless you allow it to. Learn to be flexible and roll with whatever happens. Use these opportunities to “be creative” in dealing with problems. A graduation party is a significant time to demonstrate this important life lesson. Life is full of surprises, and how one handles them makes all the difference in the world.
• To help things run smoothly, the host of the party (this is usually the parents) may want to ask a friend or two to help. They can keep food trays and bowls filled, check on ice and drink supply, and help with all the other details of entertaining. This will free the host and guest of honor to visit with their guests.
• Delegate and designate responsibility before hand. If everyone pitches in, things run much more efficiently.
• In preparing for the party, be realistic. Yes, chicken fajitas may sound great and out of the ordinary, but is not practical. Plan a menu that much of the food can be prepared ahead of time.

Social Skills

•  The graduate should make sure that he or she greet and meet each guest, offering a hand-shake or hug if appropriate. Give each guest your 100% attention. With so many guests, people will understand that you cannot carry on a lengthy conversation, but will appreciate the few minutes you spent with them.
• When speaking to guests, remember to make good eye contact, listen carefully and make appropriate conversation. Thank them for helping you celebrate your special day, and if they brought a card and/or gift, thank them for their thoughtfulness. Try to say good-bye if you see them leaving.
• Make appropriate introductions. Remember, when introducing a friend to a family member, such as a grandparent or an Uncle, always acknowledge the oldest guest first and give a nugget of information about them. This allows for conversation. “Uncle Chuck, this is my friend Don Smith. We played in band together. Don, this is my Uncle, Mr. Jones. He came all the way from Wisconsin to be here”.
• When eating, make sure to use your table manners. Although a foreign concept with today’s generation, it is still good manners to take your hat off when sitting at the table. With guests of diverse age, (especially grandparents) this is a mark of good manners and respect.
•  Just a couple things to be aware and considerate of: It is perfectly normal and acceptable for graduates to gravitate towards their group of friends, however, not at the exclusion of other guests. Also, how you act when it’s just “you and the guys” is different from how you act when it’s you, the guys and other guests. Just keep a balance.

Receiving Cards and Gifts

•  If a card and/or gift are presented directly to you, you have two choices. In the gift givers presence, you may open it. Many people receive enjoyment by watching you open their card or/and gift. If you decide to do this, be discrete. If the timing isn’t appropriate to open their gift, wait until the right time presents itself, and then take the gift to them, and open it in front of them. You may also choose to have a designated card and gift table. Once your guests have left, you may open them with family members present. However you decide to handle this, it is never good manners to be flashy, showy or complain about a gift. IE “Aunt Julie only gave me 5 bucks. What a cheap skate” or, to go on and on about a necklace one friend gave you, and not mention the earrings another friend gave you. Just be considerate and aware.

After the Party

• Take a few days to savor the memories and the feeling of your new freedom, but then get to work on those thank you cards. No e-mails allowed for this job. A personal hand-written thank you is required. Included in your thank you note should be: An acknowledgment of your guest’s attendance and if a gift (including money) or card was given. Specifically mention the gift and how you intend to use it.

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

Thank you for coming to my graduation ceremony and party. I am grateful for your love and support. Thank you for the card and gift of money. It will help me with upcoming college expenses. I also love the picture frame and already know the picture I will use. It’s the one with all of us standing in front of my school, and I’m holding my Diploma.

Thank you once again for your thoughtfulness.

With Love,

Sandy

A Special Word to the Graduate

•  Be thoughtful and considerate of the work, time and money that your parents, family and friends are investing in you. Offer to help before, (yard work) during, (refilling the bucket with pop and ice) and after the party (taking out the garbage). Yes, although you’re the “Guest of Honor” doesn’t mean that you can’t pitch in. Actually, this is the best reason you should help, because all of this is for you.
• Express appreciation to your family for all they‘ve done to support you. From attending P.T.A. meetings to numerous football games, much of your success and accomplishments are due to your parent’s support and effort. So thank them with words of appreciation and acknowledgment for all they’ve done through out the years.
• When walking the stage to receive your Diploma, display good manners and respect for those in authority. Offer a firm handshake and say thank you when given your Diploma.
• Last, but by far not least, thank and acknowledge your teachers for their hard work. Teachers seldom are thanked for their efforts. For a teacher to know that they have made a difference in a student’s life is a reminder of why they decided to teach in the first place. This is a very needed and welcomed encouragement.