by Linda Conte in Schools and Youth, Uncategorized
Posted on June 9, 2011 at 9:43 pm
Last Modified on June 9, 2011 at 9:47 pm
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These notes are partly for myself, since I’ll have another child graduating from Somerville High in a few years.
Tip 1: Get there early and park on a side street heading away from Alewife Brook Parkway.
When the ceremonies are over the mobs will be really thick trying to head out of there. Getting there early is not just for the parking, though. The stands are filled in front of the podium by 5:30 for a 6PM graduation. There was standing room only by the time things got started. I brought seat cushions to reserve my seats while I scurried around trying to find family and friends. Which brings me to
Tip 2: Bring seat cushions.
Any soccer mom knows that 2 hours on metal stadium stands is murder on the buns. Plus you can use them to keep your seat if you have to duck under the stands to make a phone call because the bright sun makes your cell impossible to see. Which brings me to
Tip 3: Bring an umbrella.
Whatever the weather you may need it for rain or sun. The summer solstice is pretty close to graduation time and the stands catch the early evening sun like a giant solar cooker. My straw hat was invaluable. (Note to self: Follow the career of the kid selling cold water. Invest in his company.)
Tip 4: Don’t expect to hear the speeches.
The audience was chatting like they were at a cocktail party, and alternately whooping and hollering. Headmaster Ciccariello did a good job, though, and people were reasonably attentive to him.
Tip 5: Bring a hanky and fully charged camera.
It’s a moving event despite (and including) the boisterous crowd. This year’s most moving moment for me (aside from watching the joy on my son’s face) was the sweet class song written and performed by class members. I had heard it at class day so I whipped out my camera to record most of it. I posted it to YouTube for you. Enjoy.
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Congrats Linda, to you, Ray & Michael (& C too!) I was startled when I heard Michael’s name called, because it didn’t occur to me that he (or I) would be old enough to “cross the stage.” But he is! I’m certain you are proud, and hope Michael is excited about what happens next!
-g-
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Thanks Gretchen! He’s excited to be going to Worcester Polytech in the fall to study engineering. Two other SHS grads will be going with him. Thanks to Somerville Public Schools!
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thanks to Linda for this funny and timely -and timeless- post!!!
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Excellent. Worth re-posting next year a week or so before graduation. I’m sure a lot of parents would be grateful for the reminders!
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Thanks, Linda — I’m saving these! I had thought that the spectators in the stands looked pretty hot in the sun. An umbrella is a great idea. (I don’t know why they didn’t include an overhang when they redesigned Dilboy … )
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Terrific!
And thanks for recording the song.
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Paula W. says she’s shared this with parents attending graduation this year. Maybe others would like to revisit it as well.
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Getting rained out and postponed till tomorrow at Gantcher at Tufts means these notes aren’t as useful as I’d hoped! Best wishes to grads of 2012 anyway!
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