Graduation?

Lisa, Victoria, and Heidi backstage

I haven’t changed my mind. Calling a ceremony for fifth graders “graduation” is not right. But, before I get all worked up and say stuff as only guys from Essex can, let me clarify.

with Helena, the stage manager

Like many other schools worldwide, ISA celebrates the accomplishments of its fifth graders with a ceremony attended by parents, grandparents, friends, and the rising fourth graders. They call it their "graduation". Therein lies the problem.

with Lisa in the wings

Like any graduation, the ceremony features processionals, music, speeches, tears, and the awarding of “diplomas” (although to their credit, no one called the rather officious looking certificates that).

some of the "graduates" of 5JT

A rather famous Brit once said that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. I am willing to get down from my high-horse long enough to admit that the whole affair was awesome. Part of me thinks that for the amount of money parents pay in tuition, ostentatious displays are part and parcel. But the emotional old-man in me appreciated the very unique opportunity to publicly reward every one of my children for all their effort and achievement.

A object-lesson...

Graduation is what happens upon completion of one’s education. It is not what milestones should be labeled. That said, I was pretty darn proud of them.

...in metaphor