Posted by Your graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the lives of students, celebrating their hard work, perseverance, and achievements. A crucial component of this time is the graduation program, which serves as a guide for attendees and planners, and a cherished keepsake for graduates and their families. There are many intricacies of planning graduation programs; we recommend planning a Master Program and the Keepsake Program.
The Role of the Graduation Coordinator
The graduation coordinator and committee are tasked with designing, approving, printing, and distributing graduation programs. Coordination involves all levels of ceremony planning—from stage directions listed in the Master Program to the visual appeal and informational content in the Keepsake Program.
Master Program: Behind-the-Scenes Coordination
A Master Program serves as the blueprint for your graduation ceremony. It includes every little detail from speeches and musical numbers to things like timing cues, speaker order, and stage directions to ensure smooth proceedings. The Master Program allows the committee to manage all aspects of the event seamlessly.
Keepsake Program: A Cherished Memento
The Keepsake Program is the folded version that is distributed to students and guests. It can be however long you like it, we suggest keeping it around 4-8 pages, including the front and back cover.
- Title Page: “Celebrating the Graduation of the Class of [Year]”
- Ceremony Schedule and Outline
- List of Graduates
- Details for each speech (name and title of speaker)
- Acknowledgment of musical performances
- Personalized notes, ads, and tributes
Noteworthy Elements: Speeches, Songs, and More
Your graduation ceremony will feature a mix of speakers chosen for their capacity to inspire and encourage students as they transition into the next phase of their lives. For high school graduation, it is advisable to limit the number of speakers to five, ensuring their speeches remain impactful (ideally kept to seven minutes each). The Keynote Speaker’s address may be longer. College graduations typically include two speakers.
- Superintendant (high school only)
- Principal (high school only)
- Keynote/Guest (high school/college)
- Valedictorian (high school and college)
- Salutatorian (high school only)
Musical performances throughout the ceremony can enhance the atmosphere, bridging the transitions between speeches and celebrations. Traditional pieces like “Pomp and Circumstance” will resonate with the audience, but consider incorporating modern songs like “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors or “My Future” by Billie Eilish to evoke emotion and connection.
Advertising Space and Fundraising
Consider allowing parents and students to secure advertising space on the back of the Keepsake Program. This can serve as an excellent opportunity for parents to showcase baby photos or well-wishes while allowing local businesses to promote their services.
Program Design, Printing, and Distribution
The Keepsake Program should be eye-catching and reflect your school’s branding. If possible, enlist help from a school marketing club or art club. Once the design is confirmed, order more programs than students—approximately four times as many—to ensure that everyone gets a copy.
On the day of the graduation ceremony, distribute Keepsake Programs strategically: place one on each graduate’s seat, have ushers hand them out, and set up informational stands at the entrance.
Graduation is a momentous occasion filled with joy, nostalgia, and a sense of accomplishment. Well-crafted graduation programs—the Keepsake and Master Programs—play vital roles in making the ceremony memorable for everyone involved. With careful planning and execution, students will be celebrated and remembered long after their big day is over.