Novelty Suggestions There is no reason for the commencement program to be the "same old thing"-a few songs, a few speeches, and then the presentation of diplomas. Why not introduce some new feature into the exercises? Novelties are more for the class night, but commencement night may be incorporated into class night. A few novel features of class night are: A class paper written in the form of a newspaper with each one in the class responsible for a certain department. Poetry, editorials, current events should all have a place, and this plan would give opportunity for the salutatory and valedictory. A class play including all members of the class as they will be in the future. This furnishes opportunity for speeches, songs, and any other novelties the class may have. Class minstrels carried through in a proper way will be entertaining and enjoyable. A class funeral is probably the most unusual and the most enjoyable of all novelties. The best description and details of this plan are given in The Commencement Manual, by Edith Painton, which is listed in the bibliography. Miss Painton gives many more features than have been listed with a detailed description of some. It is an easy matter to introduce unusual stunts when books giving full descriptions can be obtained, and it would add zest to the commencement exercises if this were done. Graduating time should and could be a community social affair and an effort should be made to make it as interesting and enjoyable as possible. Part III SOME SUGGESTED TYPES OF PROGRAMS Making a balanced program is a difficult task. There are many types and many variations; there is much to put in and much to leave out. A few samples of programs, each different in type and content, are listed here. They are not all the types that may be given. They are designed merely to assist in forming the special type that may be desired. The graduating class should be the unit around which the program is planned. Where possible, every member should take part. If the class is large, let them select representatives for the program. Give them a prominent place and let them realize that the occasion is in their honor. If there is a speaker from out of town his speech should come well toward the first of the program. His message may be considered by the class and audience as the main part of the program. Why leave this message to the end when the program is unusually long? If it is merely a formal program it is all right to place the speaker at any point, as the length is not generally a consideration. If the program is full of essays, speeches, and songs from the school children, do not invite a speaker for the occasion. A splendid program may be made up entirely of talent among the pupils, and one of this type will be thoroughly enjoyed by the community. Samples of Programs The programs given are for the closing exercises only. Other programs may be modeled after them. Sample I. Formal program. Single sheet of paper. Song Song Valedictory Delivery of Diplomas Benediction This is the general and easiest form. It does not contain any frills or extras. It is a formal program given in a formal way. It is suggested that originality and variety be put into the program. Below are some samples of programs that are unusual and interesting. One objection to all of them is the time limit. It is difficult to limit time after you proceed beyond the formal program. Sample II. Printed as a four-page leaflet. Sample III. Printed as a four-page leaflet. Page 1 Commencement Exercises Name of School Name of Town and State Pages 2 and 3 March Song-Chorus Essay of Welcome Essay Recitation. Musical Numbers-Piano Address Valedictory Presentation of Diplomas Song-Chorus March Class Motto, Class Colors, Class Flower Page 4 Graduates School Committee Sample IV. Printed on four-page leaflet. Page 3 List of Graduates Class Colors, Class Motto Page 4 Sample V. Printed on four-page leaflet. Page 1 Graduating Exercises of the Name of School Place, Date, Time. Pages 2 and 3 Program (This program is made up of a series of short numbers.) 1. Song Graduating Class 2. Essay 3. Essay 4. Essay 5. Song-School 6. Recitation 7. Piano Selection 8. Song-Grade 9. Recitation 10. Essay 11. Poem 12. Song-School 13. Presentation of Diplomas 14. Valedictory 15. Closing Song Page 4 Names of Graduates Words of the songs that are to be used Sample VI. Printed on a four-page leaflet. Page 1 Closing and Field Day Exercises Names of Schools School Committee Time, Place and Date |