It is a rite of passage and would be sorely missed. If not by the graduates, by all of the local retailers, restaurant owners, and others who reap the ancillary benefits of graduation. I could have done without mine and gladly accepted a diploma by mail

All, Charlie.

I agree. I used to think all that pomp and circumstance was a waste of time, but it is not. It is public recognition that you finished something.

I walked at GSU when I was 39 years old. I could have easily blown that hassle off. I walked..and I was proud that my wife and kids saw it, and sad that my parents did not see it on this plane of existence. Somewhere, though, they were proud, too.

Driving by the stadium today, one catches snippets of a microphoned voice intoning "(mumble mumble)...Laude" followed by a recitation of names, and can't help but agree with you about the crashing boredom of a graduation ceremony. My own, my kid's, other's kids--by not even halfway through, people's attentions had wandered far away from their current entrapment.

Which is not to say graduating from an academic institution is an not admirable achievement, worthy of sincere congratulations and hopes that jobs await as payoff for all that work.

Walkie, at Bulloch Academy, graduation is a very special celebration of the graduates. Because of the small-class sizes, we can personalize graduation ceremonies with multi-media presentations, narratives about each individual graduate and a guest speaker (this year's is Dr. Charles Webb). It really is very special for them, their parents, their friends and the faculty and staff members who have watched them "grow up" through the years. Check out the Academic Photo Gallery on the BA website (under School Life) to get a feel for last year's. I invite you to attend this year's to see what I mean.

Great comments all.

As more and more college students earn their degree online, fewer and fewer students will participate in the walk of glory.

As more high school students are home schooled, fewer will participate in the walk of glory as well.

Most kids only walk because of pressure from their bragging rights hungry parents.

Yes, it may take a couple of decades but graduation ceremonies will be a thing of the past.

Yes they certainly would care Walkie. I have been involved this year with the seniors at southeast Bulloch High School as they prepare to graduate and take this next step on their journeys.
It has been an emotional and exciting time for them and they are all very much looking forward to the ceremony and the moment where they are recognized for all their blood, sweat, tears, laughter, and hard work.
Yep.... it matters. :-)