graduating senior high school essay

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My Highschool Reflections Before Graduation

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How to Write a High School Graduation Speech (+ Examples)

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

I was in several clubs in high school, I was the valedictorian, and I happened to be the youngest in our graduating class. Needless to say, I had to write and give more than one speech at our graduation.

Being asked to give a graduation speech in high school is a tremendous honor and responsibility. It takes a lot of preparation, from planning to writing and editing your speech.

My guide should show you how to write a graduation speech for high school, especially with the examples I’ve included. Follow the template and tips, and you’re sure to receive a standing ovation from your audience.

How Long Is a High School Graduation Speech?

The best high school graduation speeches aren’t long and boring since the ceremonies already take hours. Aim for an address that doesn’t exceed 10 minutes. Keep your audience’s attention and save some for other people’s speeches.

Your graduation speech should only be around 500 to 600 words. You have to read it slowly and articulate the words clearly. One way to keep it shorter is by removing cliches and other unnecessary content.

High School Graduation Speech Template

Essays and speeches usually have three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Here is a structure you can follow for a memorable high school graduation speech.

Introduction

• Thank people for attending. Acknowledge the presence of your teachers, parents, and fellow graduates.
• Introduce yourself. Not everyone in the room knows you, even if you’re the class valedictorian.
• Catch the audience’s attention by sharing a motivational quote or saying. Your personal narratives and advice will later be based on this saying.
• Recall memorable high school experiences. Anything is worth sharing, whether it’s a simple day in class or your debate competition.
• Encourage classmates not to forget these beautiful memories.
• Share helpful advice for this new chapter of their lives.
• Restate the quote or saying you mentioned in the introduction.
• End with a call to action that will encourage the graduates to make a difference.
• Thank the audience for hearing you out.

How to Write a Graduation Speech for High School

Public speaking takes a lot of preparation. Here are some tips you should follow when writing and delivering a graduation speech for high school.

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Pick a Theme

Inspirational high school graduation speeches leave a mark on people. If you want to create one, try building it around a central message.

Think about everything you experienced in high school and look for patterns. Was high school about learning from mistakes? Or was it about achieving big dreams with small steps? Consider not only what is essential to you but also what is important for your fellow graduates.

Once you have picked a theme, selecting a quote, including advice, and recalling high school memories will be much easier. Here are some popular themes you can consider using for yours, but make sure to choose ones that are relevant to you and/or your class.

• Embracing failure
• Big things take time
• Achieving big dreams with small steps
• Facing change with grace
• Overcoming adversity
• Becoming a lifelong learner
• Being more intentional and responsible for your future

Begin With Gratitude and a Self-Introduction

Once you step on stage, you must start with a few formalities. Know the name of the previous speakers and acknowledge their excellent speeches. Then, thank everyone in attendance, including the teachers, parents, and fellow students.

Say it’s a privilege to speak before the audience on this special day. This is also the best time to introduce yourself.

Don’t assume that everyone in the room knows who you are. State your name and why you were tasked to create the speech. Below is an example.

“Thank you, Mr. Jones, for the wonderful speech. And thank you to the parents, teachers, staff, and fellow graduates in this room who have made the past four years unforgettable. It’s a pleasure to stand in front of everyone and represent the class of 2022 at this address. I am [name], your class valedictorian.”

Make It About Everybody But You

Your graduation speech is not a mini-biography of your accomplishments. Only sprinkle a few personal anecdotes, then include what the four years of high school have been like for the other students. Below is an example.

“Four years ago, we were freshmen walking through the doors of [school name]. While some of us want to be doctors, artists, engineers, and singers in the future, we all had one goal in mind during that time: to leave a mark on the school in the next four years.”

Recall High School Memories

Tap the ceremony’s nostalgia by recalling important events from the past four years. You can include prom, school fairs, and even mundane scenarios. Include hardships, such as the sudden shift to online classes during the pandemic.

If you are a valedictorian , you should know which memories everyone treasures. Try interviewing some of your peers about their best high school memories. Below is an example.

“Every batch of graduates from [school] has a common core memory. For us, it was probably prom 2022. Instead of getting our beauty sleep the night before the dance, everyone stayed in school until 8 PM because of the last-minute changes. While that experience was full of pressure and chaos, we look back on that memory remembering teamwork and dedication.”

Share Advice

Your advice is the most crucial part of the speech. It serves as a call to action the students will follow in the future.

Make sure to keep it positive and remind everyone that anything is possible. You can also advise them to advocate for others and treat everyone equally.

Here’s an example showing what I mean.

“The future is uncertain, and the only thing we can do is be optimistic about it. We learned to stay determined in the past four years, so we can do it again throughout college or our careers.”

Incorporate Your Personality

Just because you’re speaking for the rest of the class and following an outline doesn’t mean your speech should be boring. You can still infuse your personality through humor, anecdotes , and life experiences.

You can also open your address with something funny, as long as it’s appropriate and timely. If you’re a valedictorian, self-deprecating humor will be a hit. Try adding quirky memories from classes that will immerse your audience.

Leave Your Audience Inspired

You are not at the graduation to merely receive your diploma. As a speaker, you need to leave your audience inspired on the next chapter of their lives. Encourage them to find their purpose and make a difference in the world.

Some speakers end their speeches with another quote. Here is the one I used in my high school speech, but there are tons to be found on the internet you can use that might better suit your needs.

• “All our dreams can come true… if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney

Finally, thank everyone for taking the time to listen to your speech. Express gratitude toward your classmates for the memories over the last four years.

Proofread Your Work

Read your writing out loud and fix parts that don’t sound pleasing. Doing so will make your writing more powerful and precise. Look out for flowery language, excessive adjectives, and lengthy sentences.

When editing, make sure to remove cliches from your writing. These are words and phrases that have been overused in speech and writing. These include phrases like “all walks of life,” “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Try sharing more personal anecdotes and collective memories than tired pieces of advice. This will make the speech more interesting and customized for the audience. Find out what your fellow high school graduates and the rest of the audience want to hear and know, then write it concisely and effectively.

Once you’re done fixing clarity issues, it’s time to fix structural errors. Perform several edits on your speech to remove all spelling and grammar mistakes.

Practice Your High School Graduation Speech

There’s no exact formula for the perfect valedictorian or commencement speech. But if you follow my tips and examples and speak from the heart, your fellow graduates will live by your words as they go about their futures.

Remember to keep your engaging speech positive and inspiring. Recall memories from high school, then make them look forward to creating new ones in their careers or college.

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Inspirational Graduation Speeches

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Do you have a graduating son or daughter? A high school or college graduation is a major milestone in life that should not be ignored. The graduation ceremony celebrates hard work and encourages students to move into the world to achieve great things. This hopeful message is further cemented through an inspirational graduation speech.

As you celebrate graduation day and wish your student good luck, consider the following commencement advice you can share as well as inspirational quotes for a happy graduation.

Here are the best graduation speeches and inspirational message graduation quotes to inspire you and change your life.

Page Contents

1. Barack Obama – Howard University, 2016

You have to go through life with more than just passion for change; you need a strategy. I’ll repeat that. I want you to have passion, but you have to have a strategy. Not just awareness but action. Not just hashtags, but votes. Barack Obama

During his graduation message, Barack Obama spoke with hope. He urged the graduating students to be hardworking yet pragmatic as they sought justice, equality, and freedom. Howard University is one of the nation’s most distinguished and historically Black universities.

In 2020, Barack Obama also shared a graduation message to the Class of 2020 as part of Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020 . These students had to learn to overcome obstacles and challenges that classes before them had not had to deal with due to the pandemic.

The disappointments of missing a live graduation, those will pass pretty quick…What remains true is that your graduation marks your passage into adulthood—the time when you begin to take charge of your own life. It’s when you get to decide what’s important to you: the kind of career you want to pursue. Who you want to build a family with. The values you want to live by. And given the current state of the world, that may be kind of scary. Barack Obama

Obama goes on to offer hope and support as graduating students set out to navigate a very new landscape and shape a new world.

2. David Foster Wallace – Kenyon Graduation Speech, 2005

There are these two young fish swimming along, and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually, one of them looks over at the other and goes, “What the hell is water? David Foster Wallace

In this commencement address, Wallace reminds us that we often forget, or take for granted, the most obvious things around us. He acknowledges it’s difficult to stay aware of what’s happening in the world, especially when you’re too busy dealing with the monologue inside your head.

That’s what a college education is about, according to him. It’s learning how to think and exercising some degree of control over your thoughts so you can choose what to pay attention to.

Our thoughts affect our realities, and the ability to choose how you “construct meaning from experience” will determine the lenses from which you see the world and how you react in return.

3. Natalie Portman – Harvard Graduation Speech 2015

Sometimes your insecurities and your inexperience may lead you, too, to embrace other people’s expectations, standards, or values. But you can harness that inexperience to carve out your own path, one that is free of the burden of knowing how things are supposed to be, a path that is defined by its own particular set of reasons . Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman majored in psychology at Harvard University because she believed it would help her acting. She graduated in 2003. In her commencement speech at the 2015 graduation ceremony, she spoke of her own self-doubt and gave an inspiring, funny , and wisdom-filled speech for the graduating class.

Portman said even though she was a successful student and went on to find success as an actress, she still struggled with her own worth but eventually learned to set her own goals.

4. Ellen DeGeneres – Tulane University, 2009

Never follow anyone else’s path, unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path and by all means you should follow that. Don’t give advice, it will come back and bite you in the ass. Don’t take anyone’s advice. So my advice to you is to be true to yourself and everything will be fine. Ellen Degeneres

This is one of the funniest graduation speeches ever! All humor aside, this speech shows why  it’s better to be true to yourself instead of trying desperately to be a second-rate version of someone else.

For years, Ellen thought being bisexual might prevent her from being a successful stand-up comedian, but it’s just not the case. Ellen proved that you could be successful, whoever you are, if you worked hard and learned from your past experiences— even one as sad as the death of a loved one.

5. Charlie Munger – University of California Law School, 2007

*Skip to 4:08 for the actual speech

You’re not going to get very far in life based on what you already know. You’re going to advance in life by what you’re going to learn after you leave here. Charlie Munger

Education doesn’t stop after you graduate from college. It doesn’t stop after you finish your MBA or PhD either. Munger says, “Wisdom acquisition is a moral duty. It’s not just something you do to advance in life.”

It’s a moral duty because it’s only through continuous learning that we can add to the vast knowledge of man kind. If we stopped learning, progress in all industries—computers, finance, engineering, biology, stops as well.

6. Michelle Obama – Eastern Kentucky University, 2013

If you’re a Democrat, spend some time talking to a Republican. And if you’re a Republican, have a chat with a Democrat. Maybe you’ll find some common ground, maybe you won’t. But if you honestly engage with an open mind and an open heart, I guarantee you’ll learn something. And goodness knows we need more of that, because we know what happens when we only talk to people who think like we do — we just get more stuck in our ways, more divided, and it gets harder to come together for a common purpose. Michelle Obama

As far as inspirational speeches go, Michelle Obama’s speech is very actionable. Her advice is simple (not easy), talk to each other with an open mind.

Different religion, race, political stand, it doesn’t matter. We can all learn from one another.

7. Jim Carrey – Maharashi University of Management, 2014

This is one of my favorite motivational speeches because Jim Carrey is such a good example of his message.

So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. My father could have been a great comedian, but he didn’t believe that that was possible for him, and so he made a conservative choice. Instead, he got a safe job as an account. Jim Carrey

Carrey’s father lost his accounting job when he was 12, and it was then he realized that failure is inevitable , whether you’re doing what you want or not. If that’s the case, you might as well take a stab at doing something you love.

8. J.K Rowling – Harvard Commencement Address, 2008

I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realized, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. J.K. Rowling

This is probably one of the most inspirational videos for writers and creatives everywhere.

Rowling was suffering from depression when he wrote the Harry Potter books. But through grit and patience with herself, she was able to complete the first Harry Potter Manuscript and, stay motivated to continue even when feeling down. Thanks to her drive and imagination, the world has Harry Potter !

9. Bono – University of Pennsylvania, 2004

In case you don’t know him, Bono is the lead singer of the famous band U2. Of course, being the rock star he is, he leads his speech by saying, “My name is Bono, and I am a rock star.”

In his speech, he urges graduates to carefully consider their big idea, in saying:

What are you willing to spend your moral capital, your intellectual capital, your cash, (and) your sweat equity in pursuing outside of the walls of the University of Pennsylvania? The world is more malleable than you think, and it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape. Bono

Being a rock star, I thought Bono would talk about the perils of fame, the road to stardom or something to that effect. But instead, he talked about big ideas and changing the world.

10. Amy Poehler – Harvard University, 2011

Life is like a heist that requires good drivers, an explosives expert, a hot girl who doubles as a master of disguise, and this is a hard and fast rule. If the Rock shows up, they’re on to you . Amy Poehler

During her commencement speech at Harvard University in 2011, Amy Poehler expressed her surprise at the invitation to do so. She delivered a speech with jokes, advice, and insight as she looked out at the graduates.

She told them to head out into the world with love, light, joy, and laughter. Finishing off her speech in true Amy Poehler fashion, she also says, “please don’t forget to tip your waitresses.”

11. Meryl Streep – Barnard College, 2010

This is your time, and it feels normal to you, but really there is no normal. There’s only change, and resistance to it and then more change . Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is an actress most famous for Sophie’s Choice , The Devil Wears Prada , and Mamma Mia . She was asked to deliver the commencement speech to Barnard College in 2010. Her speech was dripping with extreme personality, honesty, and bluntness.

Streep shared her own personal stories and emphasized the importance of empathy. The audience was all women, so the speech was directed at them, but she shared many graduation messages that applied to everyone.

12. Kerry Washington – George Washington University, 2013

You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that writes the story you were meant to tell . Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is an actress, producer, and director. In 2018, she was named the eighth highest-paid television actress and has won several awards, including the President’s Award.

In her commencement speech at George Washington University in 2013, she urged graduates to go beyond their comfort zones and live their own stories.

How to Create Your Own Inspirational Graduation Speech

Do you need to write your own inspirational speech or curate the perfect graduation message? Here are a few tips on how to do just that, so you can inspire others like the commencement speeches above.

Start With a Quote

Start with a relevant quote. This sets the overall tone of your speech and grabs your audience’s attention. A good example of this is a quote by David Brinkley, “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

Provide Scenarios

Now that you have drawn in the audience, present a what-if scenario to encourage the audience to continue following your thought process.

You can also provide a scenario encouraging the audience to put themselves directly into it. Suggest that they imagine doing something and ask what they would do if it doesn’t go as planned.

If you are giving a graduation message, ask where they see themselves years down the road or what they picture success as. You can then offer advice and insight based on your own experience.

Ask Questions

You should also ask questions, whether they are literal or rhetorical. When you present a question to someone, the person intuitively answers it, keeping them engaged with what you have to say.

Pause for Silence

When giving an inspirational speech, it also helps to pause for a few seconds after important points. This pause allows the audience to react to what you have to say and settle down before you continue with your next statement. The pause is also a good way to draw attention to what you want to say.

What Makes an Inspirational Graduation Speech?

The best graduation speech should have a very uplifting message that leads with education and wisdom. The graduation speech should focus on the graduates’ achievements and accomplishments. It should highlight the sacrifices that may have been made.

When writing a graduation or inspirational speech, ensure a strong theme or message is conveyed to keep your audience’s focus and attention.

Do you remember the speaker on your graduation day? What pearls of wisdom did he or she share?

Related Reading : Don’t forget what you worked so hard on in school! Check out our 150 Education Quotes for Teachers and Students , too. These gems are good for any graduation card when offering congratulations.

Natalie Seale

3 thoughts on “Inspirational Graduation Speeches”

Am really inspired by these brief messages,indeed education has no boundary; therefore, I say to you,” education is immeasurable, regardless of what disciplines or background we find ourselves.

These are very inspiring. My favorite is from J.K. Rowling. Thanks for sharing

Actually Very Inspiring ……thanks for sharing

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Graduation — Life After High School: Setting Goals and Exploring Career Options

Life after High School: Setting Goals and Exploring Career Options

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Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 701 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

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The importance of setting life goals, the significance of career exploration.

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Reflections of a Graduating High School Senior

Favorite Quote: "The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark." - Michelangelo

As April ends and May begins, I realize that my four years of high school are wrapping up. Between senior class pictures, picking up the graduation gown, applying to scholarship after scholarship, stressing over AP exams, and battling senioritis, I’ve pondered about the things I did, the things I did not do, the things I perhaps should have done, and what leaving high school means. In high school, I studied, volunteered, and participated in extracurricular activities. I was hungry to learn, especially in my humanities courses. I brought in high grades, eagerly wrote short stories, participated in writing contests, played the violin in the school orchestra, volunteered at school and in the community, went to National Honor Society meetings, and critically thought about ideas and events. Doing things for the sake of doing them is important. Don’t do an activity for the sole purpose of putting it on a resume. Don’t do an activity because you think it will impress colleges. Do it because you want to do it, because you are passionate about it, because it will enrich you. The classes, teachers, and activities I had taught me invaluable lessons about life, and myself as a person. I am forever grateful for that. Part of me, though, wishes that I had done things a bit differently. Maybe I should have gone to a few more school dances. Maybe I should have experimented with more extracurricular activities to see if I was interested in them. Maybe I should have taken more pictures. Maybe I should have spent more time with my friends. Yet, the things I did and the things I did not do collectively brought me to where I am today – antsy to graduate high school and attend my dream school (which I was fortunate enough to be accepted to); a critical thinker whose thoughts have expanded so much since freshman year. High school was neither a high nor a low point in my life – it was what I like to call a medium point. If it is a high point for you, great. However, it should never be the highest point. There is a world, a magnificent but scary world, beyond the walls of high school that is waiting for you. I, along with all of the other graduating seniors, will have a chance to turn those “maybes” into realities during college and beyond. You will too. Work hard and follow your heart, but remember that high school is not the be all and end all.

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Favorite Quote: Never tell your problems to anyone...20% don't care and the other 80% are glad you have them. - Lou Holtz

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High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

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• The best country in the world is …
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

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• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

• Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
• Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
• What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
• Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

• How does playing sports affect people?
• What are the effects of loving to read?
• Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
• What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
• Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
• Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

• Public and private schools
• Capitalism vs. communism
• Monarchy or democracy
• Dogs vs. cats as pets

• Paper books or e-books
• Two political candidates in a current race
• Going to college vs. starting work full-time
• Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
• iPhone or Android
• Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

• Who is the funniest person you know?
• What is your happiest memory?
• Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
• Write about your favorite place.
• When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
• Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
• What is your earliest memory?

• What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
• Describe your favorite pet.
• What is the most important item in the world to you?
• Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
• Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
• Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
• Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
• Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

• What makes a good leader?
• Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
• What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
• Describe how the internet changed the world.
• What does it mean to be a good teacher?

• Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
• Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
• Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
• Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
• What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

• What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
• What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
• Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
• Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.

• Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
• Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
• Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

• Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
• Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
• Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
• Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .

• Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
• Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
• Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
• Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
• Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

• Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
• Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
• Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
• Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
• Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.

• Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
• Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
• Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
• Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
• Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
• What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
• Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• The best music genre is …

• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

• Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
• Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
• Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
• Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
• What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?

• Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
• Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
• Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
• Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests .

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to graduate high school early: 5 key steps.

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Are you a high school student who's thinking about graduating early? Maybe you have an exciting internship offer, want to start college early, or are interested in jumping right into the workforce.

The good news is that graduating high school early is often not as challenging as many people might think it is. This guide will give you all the tips and information you need to know about how to graduate from high school early in an easy and hassle-free way. It will also help you decide whether graduating early is ultimately the right decision for you.

What Does It Mean to Graduate High School Early?

In the US, the typical high school education lasts four years. Students who want to graduate early aim to complete their high school in less than four years , usually in three or three and a half years.

Unless you're homeschooled or attend a non-traditional school, it's often difficult or impossible to graduate high school if you have completed less than three years . This is because students normally can't complete all their graduation requirements in this tight of a time frame.

If you graduate early, you will receive the same diploma as any other graduate from your high school. Your transcript won't have any special indication that you graduated early , other than the fact that it'll contain fewer semesters than a typical high school transcript does.

Why Might You Want to Graduate Early? 4 Possible Reasons

What are the benefits of graduating high school early? Here are four of the most common reasons students strive to complete high school in less time.

#1: You Want to Start Your Next Education Phase Early

One common reason why students choose to graduate high school early is that they want to get a head start on college or technical school . You might want to do this if you have a lot of school left (say, you're planning on attending med school or getting a PhD) and want to get ahead so you can eventually complete your schooling a bit earlier.

You could also be interested in only attending college part-time but still want to graduate when you're 21/22. Completing high school early can help make each of these situations possible.

Graduating high school early can mean you enroll full-time (or even in just a few classes) at a new school. Students who enroll part-time often have a part-time job as well to help pay for classes.

#2: You Want to Pursue an Opportunity Before College

You might also have another opportunity you want to take advantage of that isn't related to school or classes. This could be an internship to get career experience, a job to earn money, or a similar opportunity you think is worth finishing high school early for.

Gap years , in which students take a year or so off from school to travel, work, or have a different experience, are becoming increasingly popular among high school and college-aged students. If you decide to do one, there are lots of options available, depending on your interests. You could work at a theater, help out at an archaeological dig, volunteer, and so on.

Spending a year away from school can help you get a better idea of how you want to spend the rest of your life —and it can also give you some great, enriching experiences.

#3: You Want to Enter the Workforce as Soon as Possible

Some high school students know early on what they want to do professionally and don't want or need to go to college in order to enter this field and be successful; as a result, you might want to graduate early so you can get started as soon as possible on establishing your career and earning a consistent income .

Entering the workforce at a younger age does come with its own set of challenges, of course (for example, you might find it difficult to get a full-time job if you're under 18), but it can be an ideal path for those who are ready to put in the energy and effort needed to find success.

Graduating high school early to start working might also be a good option for you if you want or need to start making money right away, whether to support yourself or your family .

#4: You Simply Don't Enjoy High School

A final reason you might want to graduate high school early is that you just don't enjoy it . Some people feel lonely or out of place in high school, and others don't feel that they're learning a lot.

This can be a legitimate reason to graduate high school early, but make sure you understand that it'll take time and effort on your part to plan it out , and you won't be able to finish high school immediately.

Disliking high school could be a reason to graduate early.

How to Graduate High School Early: 5-Step Guide

So, how can you graduate high school early? I've outlined the steps you need to follow below. There's a bit of math involved but nothing you can't handle. After all, you'll soon be a high school graduate!

Step 1: Decide When You Want to Graduate

This first step is pretty simple: all you need to do is decide how early you want to graduate high school . Do you want to graduate a semester early? An entire year? How long do you want to spend pursuing whatever it is you're doing instead of attending high school?

When figuring this out, keep in mind that it's often easier to graduate just a semester early than it is a whole year . If that doesn't seem like a long enough time to you, remember that even if you only graduate a semester early, you'll finish high school in December or January. If you start college the following September, that still gives you about eight months of time to work, travel, or pursue another opportunity.

If you still need help deciding, talk to your academic advisor. They're a great resource to have, and they'll likely be able to help make this process easier (not to mention, you'll have to let them know if you officially decide to graduate early, so you might as well start talking to them now).

Step 2: Calculate the Number of Credits You Need to Graduate

Now that you know when you want to graduate, it's time to get into the math. Almost every high school requires its students to complete a certain number of credits before they can graduate. Look in your student handbook or ask your academic advisor to find out how many credits your particular high school requires.

As an example, we'll use the high school I graduated from, which required its students to complete 21 credits, with each class worth about 0.5 credits per semester.

First, figure out how many credits you've already completed. You can usually find this information on your report card or transcript, or you can ask your advisor.

Next, subtract the number of credits you've completed from the number of total credits you need to graduate. The answer you get is the number of credits you'll need to take before you can graduate.

The good news for you is that the number of graduating credits for most high schools often doesn't require you to complete four full-time years of school . Again, for my high school, you needed to complete 21 credits to graduate, but a student attending high school full-time would complete about 7 credits each year, meaning most students at the end of their junior year would already have enough credits to graduate.

The number of credits you need to take isn't all you need to worry about, though, so let's move on to the next step.

Step 3: Determine Which Classes You Need to Graduate

It's time to figure out the specific classes you need to take to graduate.

Look at your student handbook or talk to your advisor to learn which classes students at your high school must take in order to graduate. This will usually require a certain number of semesters of math, English, science, and social studies , as well as some possible other requirements, such as a gym or fine arts class.

Make a list of all the required classes you haven't taken yet. Sometimes the requirements are general, such as taking six semesters of math, while other times they're more specific (e.g., all students must take algebra and geometry). Pay attention to this when making your list. Be aware that most high schools require four years of English but fewer years of other core subjects.

To again use my former high school as an example, all students had to complete the following:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math
• 2-3 years of science
• 2 years of history/social studies
• 1 year of a foreign language
• 4 years of gym/PE
• A fine arts class, a typing class, a driver's education class, and a consumer education class

Which classes does your high school require you to take?

Step 4: Figure Out Which Classes the Colleges You're Interested in Require

Now, we move on from classes that you must take in order to graduate to classes that it's a good idea for you to take (but aren't actually required).

Many times, the bare minimum high school graduation requirements aren't enough to get you into top colleges. For example, your high school might only require you to take two years of social studies, but the colleges you're interested in might want three to four years.

Check the admission requirements for several colleges you're interested in attending , and add any additional requirements they have to the list of classes you need to take in high school.

Keep in mind that you'll want to take more classes in the subject(s) you plan to study in college. So if you're planning on majoring in biology, you might be fine taking just three years of social studies; however, you'll probably want to take four years each of math and science if you're hoping to get into more competitive schools .

Step 5: Set Up a Schedule for When to Take the Rest of Your Classes

Now that you know how many credits you need to take and which classes you need to complete, it's time to start figuring out how you'll graduate high school early.

Make blank schedules for each semester you have left of high school. For example, say I just finished my sophomore year: I take seven classes a day and want to graduate a semester early. I'd make three columns, each with seven blank spaces, representing all the room I have left to take classes (see example below).

Next, begin filling in the blanks, starting with the classes that are required to graduate. For each class, put its number of credits next to it in parentheses. For some spots, you might not know exactly what class you'll be taking next, but you can put its general subject down for now like this: "English class (3 credits)."

After you've filled in required classes (and if you have extra space), start adding other classes you'd like to take or would be helpful for you to get into college.

Once all the spaces on your schedule have been filled in, add up all the credits you will have completed . Have you met the minimum requirement for your school? If not, how many classes will you need to take to meet it?

After, look at what classes are left over on your list. Are there any required classes you weren't able to fit? Any classes you don't have to take but would like to?

If you need to take either additional credits or classes, start thinking of ways you can fit them in outside of the normal school day. Some options include summer classes , taking classes at a nearby community college or university , or taking online classes . For each of these options, discuss it with your advisor before you enroll to ensure you'll get the required credit(s) you need.

Once you've figured out how you'll take each of these extra classes, add the information to your schedule.

Look at the junior- and senior-year schedule below for an example of how this all works:

In this example, the student would be able to graduate a semester early while having a course load that would be considered strong at many colleges . This student is planning on majoring in biology, so she wanted to maximize her math and science classes. Her junior-year schedule was pretty normal with the exception of taking two science classes (physics and AP Biology) at the same time. Taking two classes in one subject is something you'll likely have to do if you want to graduate early.

She realized that she wouldn't be able to fit in calculus normally, so she chose to take it over the summer. For her final semester, she took two English classes at the same time, took both a math elective and a science elective to get more experience in those subjects, and completed the rest of her required classes.

Assuming she had a regular schedule her previous semesters, she would have completed four and a half years of science, four and a half years of math, four years of English, three years of social studies, three years of a foreign language, and all her other required classes.

Completing those classes would be good enough for most colleges, though some highly selective schools would require four years of both social studies and a foreign language.

Notice that she had a lot of different options when creating her schedule —she could have dropped her foreign language and taken a different course, chosen to take two math electives her senior year instead of calculus over the summer, and considered a variety of other options.

Also, be aware that her junior year would probably be pretty challenging with her full course load that includes two science classes. Keep all these things in mind when creating your own high school class schedule.

Once you've finished designing your schedule, double-check it to make sure that all the school graduation requirements are met .

Congratulations—you now have a plan for graduating high school early! If you haven't before now, share your plan with your advisor and ask whether there are any additional steps you should take.

3 Potential Drawbacks to Graduating High School Early

You now know how to graduate high school early, but just because you can doesn't automatically mean that you should . Read on to learn the three potential drawbacks you might face should you choose to graduate early.

#1: It Can Be Stressful

As you saw above, graduating high school early takes a lot of planning and might mean you have to take extra classes during the school year and summer . Balancing this heavier course load can be stressful and tiring, and that's something you should consider before you commit to graduating early.

#2: You Might Miss Out on Important Events

Another potential drawback to graduating high school early is that you might miss out on special high school events.

For many high school students, senior year is their favorite year because of popular activities like homecoming and prom. If you graduate early, you might not be able to participate in these events. Additionally, you might not attend a graduation ceremony, which is an important experience for many students.

Before you decide to graduate early, think about how you'll feel if you see all your friends participating in events such as sports games, school dances, and senior days while you don't. For some people, this isn't important at all—but for others, they'd regret missing out on these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

#3: It Won't Necessarily Impress Colleges

Lastly, don't try to graduate high school early to impress colleges. Just by itself, finishing high school in a shorter amount of time won't give your college applications a boost. In fact, if graduating high school early means you have fewer classes in core subjects, it could even hurt your chances of admission!

Unless you have plans to spend your time at a great internship or another exciting opportunity that will really show colleges who you are and what your skills are, colleges won't see graduating high school early as a sign of increased intelligence or motivation.

Don't expect colleges to be automatically impressed that you graduated early.

Should You Graduate High School Early?

You know how you can plan to graduate from high school early—but should you actually do it?

The main way to decide this is to think about what you'll do during the time you'd normally be in high school . If you have a great opportunity you'd like to take advantage of, such as an internship, a travel experience, college classes, or something similar, graduating high school might be a good idea.

However, if you plan to spend your time mostly watching TV or maybe working a few hours a week, it's probably in your best interest to graduate when you normally would.

Next, go through all the steps above. Is it possible for you to graduate early while also taking all the classes you need to and would like to without stretching yourself too thin? If you've found answers to both of the above considerations, graduating high school early might be something for you to start planning.

What's Next?

Thinking about summer school as a way to complete some of your graduation requirements? Check out our complete guide to summer school to learn whether it's a good option for you.

Do you think you go to a bad high school? Learn what your options are if you aren't happy with your current school .

Taking an independent study can be a great way to fulfill some of your graduation requirements. Learn how to take an independent study class with our expert guide.

What's the benefit to graduating high school early vs dropping out? Find out with our article on whether or not you need a high school diploma .

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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167 Graduation Quotes That’ll Remind You to Follow Your Dreams

By Kristi Kellogg and Marilyn La Jeunesse

Finding the right graduation quote can be a tedious process. After four years of hard work, you want to commemorate this special moment with the right words. Something that defines who you are and sets the tone for the future. The truth of the matter is, it takes lots of blood, sweat, tears, and ramen to make it to graduation .

But, the day has finally come for you to don your hard-earned graduation robes, decorate your cap, and rewatch your favorite graduation movies to get excited for the big day. Bear your tassel proudly, and find the right motto for graduation captions on Instagram, of course. Hey, you didn’t work this hard in school just to post a captionless photo, right?

From inspirational quotes from Taylor Swift to funny graduation quotes from Timotheé Chalamet , we rounded up the best graduation quotes, best senior quotes, and graduation messages from celebrities, athletes, politicians, writers, cartoon characters and more. These thoughtful bits of advice are perfect to include in graduation cards (that go far beyond your “congratulations graduate” message), a commencement speech , or even to use for senior quotes in your yearbook. The choice is yours! Read on to discover 167 best graduation quotes.

In this article:

High school graduation quotes

Funny graduation quotes, college graduation quotes, inspirational graduation quotes, proud graduation quotes, short graduation quotes, graduation quotes for instagram, senior quotes.

• "Your life is your adventure. And the adventure ahead of you is a journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential." —Kerry Washington
• “If you can do what you do best and be happy, you are further along in life than most people.” —Leonardo DiCaprio
• "Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." —Nelson Mandela
• "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead." —Nora Ephron
• "You are about to start the greatest improvisation of all. With no script. No idea what's going to happen, often with people and places you have never seen before. And you are not in control. So say 'yes.' And if you're lucky, you'll find people who will say 'yes' back." —Stephen Colbert
• "You must have some vision for your life. Even if you don't know the plan, you have to have a direction in which you choose to go." —Oprah
• "You don’t go to university so you can punch a clock. You go to university so you can be in a position to make a difference." —Janet Napolitano
• "Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today." —Malcolm X
• "I've learned it's important not to limit yourself. You can do whatever you really love to do, no matter what it is." —Ryan Gosling
• "Fight for what makes you optimistic about the world. Find it, insist on it, dig into it, go after it." —Jennifer Garner
• "Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." —Martin Luther King Jr.
• "You cannot dream of becoming something you do not know about. You have to learn to dream big. Education exposes you to what the world has to offer, to the possibilities open to you." —Sonia Sotomayor
• "If I must give any of you advice it would be say yes. Say yes, and create your own destiny." —Maya Rudolph
• "Your inexperience is an asset in that it will make you think in original, unconventional ways. Accept your lack of knowledge and use it as your asset." —Natalie Portman
• "Take your risks now. As you grow older, you become more fearful and less flexible … Try to keep your mind open to possibilities and your mouth closed on matters that you don't know about. Limit your 'always' and your 'nevers.' Continue to share your heart with people even if it’s been broken." —Amy Poehler
• "You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future." —Steve Jobs
• "Now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here." —Neil Gaiman
• "When you respect the idea that you are sharing the Earth with other humans, and when you lead with your nice foot forward, you’ll win, every time. It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, but it comes back to you when you need it." —Kristen Bell
• "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have you, you will never, ever have enough." —Oprah
• "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." —Muhammad Ali
• "Go make your big beautiful dent, and as you do so come down on the side of boldness. If you err, may it be for too much audacity, and not too little. For you really are enough. You have untold strengths and resources inside. You have your glorious self." —Sue Monk Kidd
• "It is often easier to make progress on mega-ambitious dreams. I know that sounds completely nuts. But, since no one else is crazy enough to do it, you have little competition." —Larry Page
• "Some life lessons don’t ever change. They need to be highlighted and they need to be remembered throughout our entire lives. But how you embrace them will distinguish you from the pack." —Brooke Shields
• "You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that writes the story that you were meant to tell." — Kerry Washington
• "Be the hardest working person you know. Because if you’re not, someone else will be." —Ian Brennan
• "In response to those who say to stop dreaming and face reality, I say keep dreaming and make reality." —Kristian Kan
• "It’s your turn to choose and define what success means to you. Now, others will try to define it for you, but yours is the only voice that matters." — Octavia Spencer
• Nobody else is paying as much attention to your failures as you are . . . to everyone else, it’s just a blip on the radar screen, so just move on. —Jerry Zucker
• "I am here to tell you that whatever you think your dream is now, it will probably change. And that's okay." —Conan O'Brien
• "Learn from every mistake because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move. And the key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional G.P.S. that can tell you which way to go." —Oprah
• "If we’d all stuck with our first dream, the world would be overrun with cowboys and princesses. So whatever your dream is right now, if you don’t achieve it you haven’t failed and you’re not some loser." —Stephen Colbert
• "Don’t be afraid of fear. Because it sharpens you, it challenges you, it makes you stronger; and when you run away from fear, you also run away from the opportunity to be your best possible self."—Ed Helms
• “Success is not about wealth or fame, but about inner happiness and fulfillment.” —Margot Robbie
• “There are multiple sides to all of us. Who we are — and who we might be if we follow our dreams. —Miley Cyrus
• “God will never give you anything you can’t handle, so don’t stress.” —Kelly Clarkson
• "We're only here for so long. Be happy, man. You could get hit by a truck tomorrow." —​Timothée Chalamet​
• “Don’t allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on sunglasses.” —Lady Gaga
• "Get busy living or get busy dying." —Stephen King
• "You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." —Arnold Schwarzenegger
• "If you aren't going all the way, why go at all?" —Joe Namath
• "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." —Wayne Gretzky
• "You will stumble and fall, you will experience both disaster and triumph, sometimes in the same day. But it's really important to remember that like a hangover, neither triumphs nor disasters last forever." —Helen Mirren
• "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." —Thomas Edison
• "You have to dance a little bit before you step out into the world each day, because it changes the way you walk." —Sandra Bullock
• "Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there." —Will Rogers
• "The road to success is always under construction." —Lily Tomlin
• "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it." —Robin Williams
• "Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor." —Jackson Browne
• “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” —Elbert Hubbard
• “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” —Dolly Parton
• “Sometimes it takes a good fall to know where you stand.” —Hayley Williams
• “Success is nothing if you don’t have the right people to share it with; you’re just going to end up lonely.” —Selena Gomez
• "The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away." —Joy J. Golliver
• "That clock you hear is the sound of your own heart. Sink your teeth into this life, and don’t get let go." —Lin-Manuel Miranda
• "No job or task is too small or beneath you. If you want to get ahead, volunteer to do the things no one else wants to do, and do it better." —Bobbi Brown
• "You can’t do it alone. Be open to collaboration. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them and it will change your life." — Amy Poehler
• "When we show up, act boldly, and practice the best ways to be wrong, we fail forward. No matter where we end up, we’ve grown from where we began." —Stacey Abrams
• "I celebrate you as you remember the power of grace and pride, and I challenge you to choose freedom over fear." —Janelle Monáe
• "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." —John Dewey
• "You could travel with the sheep, follow everybody else’s stuff, but then you’re not you. I guess if I want to say anything it’s ‘Be you.’ Be true to you, and that should make the ride a little more interesting." — Whoopi Goldberg
• "There will be times when your best isn’t good enough. There can be many reasons for this, but as long as you give your best you’ll be OK." —Robert De Niro
• "We may live in an age of instant messaging, instant gratification and Instagram, but there is no way to short circuit the path to success." —Tory Burch
• "Now the first suggestion is to aim high, but be aware that even before you have reached your ultimate professional destination, if you always strive for excellence, you can and should have a substantial impact on the world in which you live." —Sandra Day O’Connor
• "As you graduate, as you deal with your excitement and your doubts today, I urge you to try and create the world you want to live in. Minister to the world in a way that can change it. Minister radically in a real, active, practical, get your hands dirty way." —Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." —Henry David Thoreau
• "The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change." —Maya Angelou
• "There is nothing more beautiful than finding your course as you believe you bob aimlessly in the current. Wouldn’t you know that your path was there all along, waiting for you to knock, waiting for you to become. This path does not belong to your parents, your teachers, your leaders, or your lovers. Your path is your character defining itself more and more everyday like a photograph coming into focus." —Jodie Foster
• "Real leadership comes from the quiet nudging of an inner voice. It comes from realizing that the time has come to move beyond waiting to doing." —Madeleine Albright
• "Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." —Shonda Rhimes
• "Don't just get involved. Fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table." —Barack Obama
• “Life can be heavy if you carry it all at once. Know what to keep and what to release. Decide what is yours to hold, and let all the other things go." —Taylor Swift
• “A lot of people give up just before they’re about to make it. You know you never know when that next obstacle is going to be the last one.” —Chuck Norris
• “It’s the choice. You have to wake up every day and say, ‘There’s no reason today can’t be the best day of my life’.” —Blake Lively
• “We are all deserving and we don’t need permission or an invitation to exist and to step into our power.” —Ilhan Omar
• “Your self worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.” —Beyoncé
• "No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind." —Taylor Swift
• "There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer." —Rihanna
• "Understand that one day you will have the power to make a difference, so use it well." —Mindy Kaling
• "I'm continually trying to make choices that put me out of my own comfort zone. As long as you're uncomfortable it means you're growing." —Ashton Kutcher
• "It's amazing what you can get if you quietly, clearly and authoritatively demand it." —Meryl Streep
• "It's the choice. You have to wake up every day and say 'There's no reason today can't be the best day of my life.'" —Blake Lively
• "I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." —Michael Jordan
• "There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." —Derek Jeter
• "My favorite animal is the turtle. The reason is that in order for the turtle to move, it has to stick its neck out. There are going to be times in your life when you’re going to have to stick your neck out. There will be challenges, and instead of hiding in a shell, you have to go out and meet them." —Ruth Westheimer
• "There is no passion to be found in playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." —Nelson Mandela
• "When someone who loves you hugs you, hug them back with two arms—don’t do the one-arm hug, because when you hug someone with two arms, it allows you to lean on somebody, and we all need someone to lean on." — Sandra Bullock
• "Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success. —Bo Bennett
• "You can never be the best. The only thing you can be the best at is developing yourself." — Natalie Portman
• "Real courage is holding on to a still voice in your head that says, ‘I must keep going.’ It’s that voice that says nothing is a failure if it is not final. That voice that says to you, ‘Get out of bed. Keep going. I will not quit.'" —Cory Booker
• "Cynicism has never won a war, or cured a disease, or started a business, or fed a young mind, or sent men into space. Cynicism is a choice. Hope is a better choice." —Barack Obama
• "What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." —Ralph Waldo Emerson
• "When people tell you not to believe in your dreams, and they say 'Why?' say 'Why not?'" —Billie Jean King
• "I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve." —Maya Angelou
• "There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction." — Oprah Winfrey
• "I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it." —Thomas Jefferson
• “Sometimes the problem feels so big that changing one life doesn’t feel like enough. But it is.” —America Ferrera
• “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Know when to laugh at yourself, and find a way to laugh at obstacles that inevitably present themselves.” —Halle Bailey
• “Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.” —Gerard Way
• “Every day is a new opportunity to change your life and be who you want to be.” —Demi Lovato
• "Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered." —Michelle Obama
• "Remember this: You are awesome. I’m not suggesting you be boastful. No one likes that in men or women. But I am suggesting that believing in yourself is the first necessary step to coming even close to achieving your potential." —Sheryl Sandberg
• “Don’t ever doubt yourselves or waste a second of your life. It’s too short and you’re too special.” —Ariana Grande
• "Ignore the naysayers. Really the only option is: head down and focus on the job." —Chris Pine
• "Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own." —Michelle Obama
• "The best remedy for those who are frightened, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be alone with the sky, nature, and God. For only then can you feel that everything is as it should be and that God wants people to be happy amid nature’s beauty and simplicity." —Anne Frank
• "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." —E. E. Cummings
• "I can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself." —Emma Stone
• "You don’t have to be famous. You just have to make your mother and father proud of you, and you already have." —Meryl Streep
• "In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." —Mother Teresa
• “So often in life things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great good fortune.” —Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• “It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine.” —Eeyore
• “What do you have to do? What do you want to do? Tomorrow is not promised. Make plans anyway.” —Lin Manuel Miranda
• “There are no regrets in life. Just lessons.” —Jennifer Aniston
• “For the great doesn’t happen through impulse alone, and is a succession of little things that are brought together.” —Vincent Van Gogh
• "Change takes courage." —Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
• "You're never a loser until you quit trying." —Mike Ditka
• "Your imagination is your preview of life's coming attractions." —Albert Einstein
• “Work so hard that you never have to introduce yourself.” —Gigi Hadid
• "It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up." —Babe Ruth
• "There are no regrets in life — just lessons." —Jennifer Aniston
• "Stay hungry. Stay foolish." —Steven Jobs
• "A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman." —Melinda Gates
• "You get in life what you have the courage to ask for." —Oprah Winfrey
• "To give any less than your best is to sacrifice a gift." —Steve Prefontaine
• "Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity." —Will Smith
• "Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement." —Matt Bondi
• "If you can’t outplay them, outwork them." —Ben Hogan
• "This above all: To thine own self be true." —William Shakespeare
• "Do. Or do not. There is no try." —Yoda
• "Be bold, be courageous, be your best." –Gabrielle Giffords
• "It is absolutely still possible to make a difference." —Michelle Obama
• “You’re not a slacker if you cut yourself some slack.” —Bill Gates
• “Be persistent and never give up hope.” —George Lucas
• “Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” —Gloria Steinem
• "It is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate." —George Burns
• “There’s always going to be someone who doesn’t like you.” —Ariana Grande
• "All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." —Walt Disney
• “Started from the bottom, now we’re here.” —Drake
• "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." —Eleanor Roosevelt
• "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." —Sun Tzu
• "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." —Arthur Ashe
• "She turned her can’ts into cans and her dreams into plans." —Kobi Yamada
• "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." —C.S. Lewis
• "You can never be overdressed or overeducated." —Oscar Wilde
• "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible.'" —Audrey Hepburn
• "A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." —Jack Dempsey
• “Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.” —Lady Gaga
• “Be kind to yourself a little more every day.” —Dua Lipa
• “You will screw it up sometimes.” —Taylor Swift
• “And here you are living despite it all.” —Rupi Kaur
• “If you don’t have any shadows you’re not in the light.” —Lady Gaga
• “Keep your eyes on the finish line and not on the turmoil around you.” —Rihanna
• “For every winner, there doesn't have to be a loser. In fact, most success stories are less about competition and more about collaboration.” —Michelle Yeoh
• “Time is the most valuable resource on the planet.” —Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• “Please don’t be afraid, don’t worry yourself. The end and beginning, beginning and end are connected.” —BTS’s Suga
• “Trust your gut, keep throwing darts at the dartboard. Don’t listen to the critics – and you will figure it out.” —Will Ferrell
• “Building your community is how you change the world.” —LeBron James
• “Never let anyone put you in a box or tell you what you can do. Make sure you paint your own picture and go your own path, and continue to think outside the box.” —Magic Johnson
• “If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.” —Beyoncé
• “Embrace your uniqueness for it is what makes you truly beautiful.” —Dove Cameron
• “I’ve always done whatever I want and been exactly who I am.” —Billie Eilish
• “Don’t try so hard to fit in, and certainly don’t try so hard to be different, just try hard to be you.” —Zendaya
• “If you were born with the weakness to fall you were born with the strength to rise.” —Rupi Kaur
• “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.” —Serena Williams
• “You can be everything. You can be the infinite amount of things that people are.” —Kesha
• “Do one thing every day that scares you.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” —Marilyn Monroe

Want more from   Teen Vogue ? Check this out: Taylor Swift’s Grad Speech: “You Will Screw It Up”

By Kristi Kellogg and Noor Brara

By Julie Pennell

By Kara Nesvig

By Kristi Kellogg

112 Best Graduation Wishes and Inspiring Messages to Write in Their Card

Celebrate the class of 2024 with these sentimental quotes and heartfelt congratulatory sentiments.

Among our list of sayings, we have funny graduation messages , inspirational graduation quotes , and classic congratulatory wishes to send the graduate your best regards and to say "Happy Graduation!" in a unique way.

Because graduation season can be a hectic time of year, we recommend bookmarking this page to reference any time you receive a graduation invite in the mail. And if you’re on the hunt for graduation presents as well, we’ve got that too! We have cheap graduation gifts for those buying in bulk, law school graduation gifts for the soon-to-be attorney, medical school graduation gifts for the new doctor in your life, and many more.

So join the new grad in honoring this momentous achievement, and don’t forget to share a heartfelt “I’m proud of you” as you celebrate.

Short Graduation Wishes

• This is only the beginning. Congratulations!
• You did it! Congratulations.
• Caps off to you, graduate. Feel proud of your academic achievement!
• Your future is beyond bright. Congratulations on a job well done!
• After years of hard work and sacrifice, it’s finally paid off. Congratulations!
• Warmest congratulations on your academic milestone!
• I’m so proud of you! Congratulations on this exceptional accomplishment.
• It’s time to celebrate, and relish this momentous occasion! Congratulations on charting your path to the future.
• Best wishes on this spectacular day of achievement! Congratulations, graduate.
• Congratulations on your well-deserved success!
• I’m proud of you for always hitting the books and staying the course. A new adventure awaits. Congratulations!
• The world is yours!
• The sky's the limit!
• Congratulations on your graduation, and best wishes for your journey ahead.
• Congratulations on your well-deserved accomplishment.
• Sincerest congratulations on your graduation.
• I wish you all the best: Your future is very bright. Warmest congratulations on your graduation.
• Thank you for inviting me to share in celebrating this much-deserved accomplishment. Congratulations, graduate!
• Warmest congratulations, and best of luck in your future pursuits.

Funny Graduation Messages

• Congrats on collecting the fanciest piece of paper you’ll ever own.
• When they hand you your diploma, keep walking, just in case they try to take it back.
• My hope for you is that your impactful memories of college last longer than your student loans.
• We both accomplished something today. You: a diploma. Me: not falling asleep during the ceremony.
• Don’t forget to thank those who were really there for you … Starbucks, Google, and ChatGPT.
• Congrats on filling a minimum job requirement!
• Kudos to you for FINALLY graduating!
• I guess Cs really do get degrees. Congrats, grad!
• Congrats on your degree and newly formed caffeine addiction.
• Congratulations! Now you can finally start getting paid to work, rather than paying to do it!
• You did it... now let's party!
• Now that you have the degree, you can start paying the bills! Congratulations, grad!

Inspirational Graduation Wishes

• Today is just one of life's many sweet victories. Be sure to stop, and savor this incredible moment!
• Make a difference. Live the dream. Relish the adventure. Make your mark. Happy graduation.
• Graduation is not the end — it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. I can’t wait to watch you excel.
• Never be afraid to follow your dreams. Remember, you’re the only person who can fulfill them. You’ve got this!
• Now is your time! You’re unstoppable. I want you to enjoy, and celebrate this outstanding accomplishment.
• Never let a setback take you off track. Stay focused, and continue to chase your dreams!
• Chasing a dream requires passion and hard work. Congratulations on graduating and your continuous strive!
• Your dedication and hard work have paid off. We're excited to see you soar!
• You’re on your way to greatness; witnessing your success is a joy and privilege. We will always root for you.
• Keep going, no matter what obstacles may get in your way. We know you’re fearless and can overcome any challenges. Congratulations on getting this far in your quest for knowledge.
• Today, as you receive your diploma, remember all that you’ve accomplished. The best is yet to come! Keep striving for success, and you will have all your heart’s desires.
• There is no challenge you can't conquer. Sincerest congratulations on this incredible achievement.
• I have no doubt you will meet all of life's challenges with aplomb. Congratulations on your enormous accomplishment!

Wise Graduation Card Messages

• As you make your way in the world, never lose sight of the things that matter most. Congratulations!
• Be bold, be fearless, and watch your best self blossom while you accomplish your dreams.
• Always maintain a positive attitude, and never stop believing in yourself. Confidence goes a long way. Kudos to you!
• When it seems like others are outperforming you on the path to success, keep in mind that everyone blossoms at their own pace. Stay focused. Congratulations!
• There will be times when the road seems bumpy, but never give up. Stay the course, and the destination will be even sweeter. I know you can do it!
• School may be over, but never stop asking questions. Questions are the keys to unlocking endless opportunities.
• Start each day believing in your dreams. Know without a doubt that you were made for great things.
• No one will believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself. Stay encouraged, and always remember your worth.
• Continue to set the bar high, and attempt to exceed expectations. Happy graduation!
• Today will soon be a memory, so be present, and relish every second of it. Caps off to you, graduate!

Graduation Wishes for Family Members

• I'm always in your corner, but today, the stage is all yours. You did it!
• Education is the key which unlocks all your potential. It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. We know the degree you’ve worked so hard for will help you thrive in the field you’ve chosen. We love you so much, congratulations.
• I've been behind you all the way, and I always will be. Congrats, graduate!
• Duties and responsibilities go hand in hand. It's time to take even more responsible decisions. You're a graduate! Happy Graduation Day!
• There's never been anything you couldn't do when you put your mind to it. Congratulations!
• This is your achievement, but you've never been alone — and you never will be. I'm honored to be on your winning team.
• I know just how much work this represents, and I hope your heart is swelling with the same pride as mine.
• I can't wait to witness the magic you'll create. Congratulations!
• Congratulations to our little graduate. No matter where you go or how successful you become, never lose faith in God. Always be humble. Your parents always think about you.
• I never doubted you'd make it, and here you are. My heart is bursting with pride.
• School may be over, but family is forever.
• School's out, but your journey is just beginning. I can't wait to see where it takes you!
• Your future is bright. For all of the late night studies and sacrifices of enjoyment and parties, your reward is finally here. Congratulations to our beloved child who has emerged victorious.
• I hope you know how proud I am of you.
• I've always believed in you — and I always will. Congrats, grad!
• It’s hard to believe that today is finally here. It seems just like yesterday you were a baby playing with alphabet blocks, now, you’re graduating. Congratulations!
• We still remember your first day of school. On that day, we were nervous to send you away. Today feels the same. We are nervous yet again, as you face the world by yourself, but deep inside, we know you’ll always come out a winner. Best of luck, son.
• I stand by you today — and I always will. Congrats on your big day!
• I'm so happy to share in the joy and excitement of your big day.
• I'm honored to join you in celebrating this important milestone. Congratulations on your graduation!
• Being here, by your side today, means the world to me.
• Sharing this day with you is one of my proudest moments. Congratulations!
• Congrats, grad! I'm alongside you on your journey today, and always.
• It would have meant the world to me to share this day with you. But know, I am celebrating your huge success across the miles. Congratulations!
• The only thing that would have made this day more perfect is if we could have celebrated it together. (But in my heart, I'm by your side.) Congratulations!
• My regret over missing this day is eclipsed only by my overflowing pride in you, graduate.
• It would have been my great pleasure to celebrate your big day in person, but I hope you can feel me cheering you on from afar. Congrats on your big day!
• I'm sorry I'm not there in person, but I'm with you on every step of your journey — you can count on that.
• Congratulations on your graduation day! I’m right there with you in spirit.
• I'm sorry to miss the big day, but I promise we'll celebrate together as soon as we can. Congratulations, grad!

Famous Quotes for Graduation Cards

• “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” — William Shakespeare
• "You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Carter Crocker, Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin
• "Whatever you choose for a career path, remember, the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." — Chadwick Boseman
• "Change takes courage." — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
• “Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” — Napoleon Hill
• "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." — Mahatma Gandhi
• “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
• “ Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” — Albert Einstein
• "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” — Nora Ephron
• "We will fail when we fail to try." — Rosa Parks
• "My dear, terrified graduates, you are about to enter the most uncertain and thrilling period of your lives." — Lin-Manuel Miranda
• “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
• "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." — Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life
• "We know what we are but know not what we may be.” — William Shakespeare, Hamlet
• “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” — Steve Jobs
• "Once you face your fear, nothing is ever as hard as you think. " — Olivia Newton-John
• “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” — Babe Ruth
• “There are no regrets in life. Just lessons.” — Jennifer Aniston
• “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” — Henry David Thoreau
• “I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve.” — Maya Angelou
• "Follow your passion. It will lead you to your purpose." — Oprah Winfrey
• "All those adults that you used to think were in charge and knew what they were doing? It turns out, they don’t have all the answers. A lot of them aren’t even asking the right questions. So, if the world’s going to get better, it’s going to be up to you." — Barack Obama
• "It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change. " — Queen Elizabeth II
• “Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in.” — Hillary Clinton
• "The reality is, on most matters, somebody is going to make the decision — so why not let it be you?" — Kamala Harris
• "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. And you can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go. Congratulations graduate." — Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!
• "Before you act, listen. Before you react, think. And, before you spend, earn. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. And, before you quit, try." — William Arthur Ward

Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenate freelance writer, and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur that covers news and culture for The Kitchn. She's the former Weekend Editor for Delish who also writes about faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle, and music for a range of additional outlets.

Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day . She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine , The Pioneer Woman Magazine , Better Homes & Gardens , Modern Farmhouse Style , Beautiful Kitchens & Baths , and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!

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Life after High School: What's next for graduating seniors?

by Tre Wiggins - KTVO

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — It's a huge accomplishment for anyone to graduate high school, but that doesn't mean the journey into adulthood is finished. They still have to figure out what comes next if they haven't already.

"About half of our students are on a traditional, university path," Kirksville High School Principal Christopher Best told KTVO. "What worries me a little bit is that smaller group who don't yet have a clear path for what they'd like to do."

College isn't the answer for everyone. A survey conducted last year by ECMC Group found 35% of high school students do not believe education after high school is necessary. 63% of teens are open to options other than a four-year degree. Only 13% of students feel fully prepared to make a decision about their future post-high school.

For those who immediately want to start working after high school, The Kirksville Job Center is a free resource for people looking for help finding work or even a long-term career.

"We work with the individual to figure out what they're good at and what skills they have," Workforce Development Specialist Tammy Creason told KTVO. "Then we're going to have them apply for jobs they would be good in. We're not going to put them into something that they won't do well in. Our ultimate goal is employment. We want to see everybody succeed."

There are more vocational opportunities in Northeast Missouri as well. There are two technical education schools in the area, Kirksville Area Technical Center (KATC) in Kirksville and Macon Area Career and Technical Education Center (MACTEC) in Macon. Both schools offer Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses as well as opportunities to learn trades and other useful career skills. Students at Kirksville's technical center even built themselves a classroom recently.

For those still looking for their path, Kirksville High School Senior Addison Hodges, who's attending Washington University in St. Louis to pursue English, Theatre, and Journalism, has some advice.

"Take time for yourself. Spend a lot of time thinking about what you want to do and how you want to do it. I know I want to tell people stories, and journalism is going to be the way I do that."

To contact the Kirksville Job Center, visit their website or call them at 660-785-2400.

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After Weeks of Protests, Columbia Cancels Main Commencement Ceremony

Columbia’s president had earlier said that she did not want to deprive students of an in-person celebration after many graduated high school during the pandemic.

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By Sharon Otterman

• May 6, 2024

After weeks of student protests, Columbia University announced Monday that it would be canceling its main commencement ceremony, and holding smaller ceremonies for each of its 19 colleges, mostly at its athletics complex some 100 blocks north.

The university’s main campus has been in a state of near lockdown since last Tuesday, when hundreds of police officers swarmed Hamilton Hall to remove some 46 pro-Palestinian protesters who had occupied the building and arrested more than 100 people protesting in and around the campus.

Dozens of police officers are still on and around campus, leaving questions as to how some 15,000 graduates and their guests could easily be admitted to the area around it for the May 15 commencement.

Nemat Shafik, Columbia’s president, had previously cited her desire to host the graduation on campus as one of the key reasons that she called in the police on April 30 to remove both the occupiers from Hamilton Hall and the large tent encampment that had taken over a central lawn for two weeks.

But on Monday, Columbia officials explained that security was one of the main reasons for canceling.

“We have decided to make the centerpiece of our Commencement activities our class days and school-level ceremonies, where students are honored individually alongside their peers, rather than the University-wide ceremony,” the university wrote in a statement.

The school said that it was still considering holding a “festive event on May 15” instead of the main ceremony, and that it would follow up with more details. The celebrations for the different colleges will begin on Friday and run through May 16.

“Holding a large commencement ceremony on our campus presented security concerns that unfortunately proved insurmountable,” Ben Chang, a university spokesman, said. He added that the school had made extensive efforts to identify an alternative venue and was unable to locate one that could host such a large event. “Like our students, we are deeply disappointed with this outcome.”

The main campus quad has become an emotionally charged site as the location of the protest encampment and arrests. The 21-acre football and other playing fields at 218th Street in Inwood, known as the Baker Athletics Complex , is more neutral ground.

But the decision was also about capacity. In its announcement, the school said that rather than divide its resources to keep both the school-level events and the main commencement ceremony safe, it would instead focus “on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful, and running smoothly.”

Parents from around the world will be flying in to celebrate commencement with their graduates, which include those completing the undergraduate college, law school, medical school and many other degree programs.

Many of this year’s graduating seniors, officials had pointed out, also had their high school graduations canceled because of Covid-19 precautions, and many had started their college experience in remote learning.

“We also do not want to deprive thousands of students and their families and friends of a graduation celebration” Dr. Shafik said last week. “Many of them are the first in their families to earn a university degree. We owe it to all of our graduates and their loved ones to honor their achievement.”

At other universities around the nation where protests have broken out, administrators have also canceled or altered commencement events, out of concern over renewed protests.

Typically at the end of the school year, the heart of Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus becomes a sweeping venue with bleacher seating and thousands of graduates arrayed around the steps of Low Library. The university president takes center stage, officially conferring the degrees on the graduates from the school’s different colleges.

Two weeks ago, the University released a video of several graduates in their blue-and-white robes, explaining how important an in-person ceremony was to them.

But the way the administration has handled its pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including by calling in police to crack down and make more than 200 arrests on two separate days, has proved to be deeply unpopular with many students and faculty. Officials also became concerned that an event meant to unite the campus would divide it further.

The commencement decision also caused anger, however, including from some of the Jewish students who had felt most targeted by the protests.

“For the last three-plus weeks, I’ve had to listen as students on campus and protesters off campus shout for Zionists to get out of Columbia,” said Josie Toubin, the co-president of an organization of Jewish students at Columbia’s business school. “I am a Zionist, so they are yelling for me to leave.”

“Moving graduation is another action that punishes Jewish students without justification,” she said, adding that the main campus has been cleared of protesters so graduation should be held there. “Don’t isolate us to a site 100 blocks north of campus as a response to the unrest on campus.”

Tazia Mohammad, a freshman living on Columbia’s campus, was also upset, particularly with the ongoing police presence.

“It’s hypocritical to say you’re acting for the graduating class and then cancel their commencement,” she said of the crackdowns Dr. Shafik authorized. “It’s just silly.”

Khepera Lyons-Clark, 22, a senior at Barnard College, which is affiliated with Columbia University and normally participates in its main commencement ceremony, said the decision to cancel commencement seems to have demoralized students more.

“I just don’t understand what the motive is,” she said.

On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul criticized Columbia’s decision to cancel its main graduation ceremony. The governor said she had offered her support in devising security plans for the upcoming ceremonies at all New York colleges.

“One thing I did not want to do is have the lives and the families and all the young people who’ve worked so hard disrupted,” Ms. Hochul said during remarks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles. “I wanted them to have the benefit of walking across the stage. They earned it.”

The governor added that she had spoken to leaders at N.Y.U., Cornell University, City College and the State University of New York on Monday morning and those schools all confirmed they would proceed with graduation ceremonies as planned.

Karla Marie Sanford and Claire Fahy contributed reporting.

Sharon Otterman is a Times reporter covering higher education, public health and other issues facing New York City. More about Sharon Otterman

Our Coverage of the U.S. Campus Protests

News and Analysis

 Arizona State: The campus police chief was put on leave  after dozens of people were arrested at a pro-Palestinian encampment.

 UMass Amherst: The author Colson Whitehead canceled his commencement speech  after the University of Massachussetts Amherst called the police to remove protesters.

The New School: Faculty members in Manhattan set up what may be the first professor-led pro-Palestinian encampment  in a building lobby.  

A Brief Moment of Joy :  With fireworks, a marching band, celebrity congratulations and a drone show, the University of Southern California tried to smooth over the weeks of tumult that have cleaved its campus with a hastily assembled party for its graduates .

An Agreement to Divest :  Discontent over the war in Gaza had been building for months at Trinity College Dublin, but what had been a rumble suddenly became a roar . Here’s how pro-Palestinian students pushed  the school to divest.

Hillary Clinton’s Accusation :  In an interview on the MSNBC show “Morning Joe,” Clinton criticized student protesters , saying many were ignorant of the history of the Middle East, the United States and the world.

Republican Hypocrisy:  Prominent Republicans have seized on campus protests to assail what they say is antisemitism on the left. But for years they have mainstreamed anti-Jewish rhetoric .

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The Best High School Graduation Gifts To Celebrate At Any Budget

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Whether your high school graduate is off to college, taking a gap year, entering the workforce or still figuring it out, there’s a gift that’s appropriate for them to celebrate this milestone and where they are in life. When looking for the best high school graduation gifts, we contacted current high school students, college students, parents, counselors and tutors to curate our list.

We found high school graduation gifts that fit into just about any budget.

Many of the teens we spoke to listed cash as the top gift, so we recommend the Mein Schatz Money Tree . Cash paired with a smaller gift is always nice, or you can choose a gift card for a local restaurant, coffee shop or college bookstore. If you’d prefer a tangible gift, here are some amazing gift ideas for high school graduates.

The 12 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Playa del Carmen

The 9 best nursery gliders, according to our parenting editors, money does grow on trees, mein schatz money tree gift holder.

Cash is king, and for any high school graduate, cash is a one-size-fits-all gift that is oh-so-useful for gas money, textbooks, dorm decorations, late-night snacks or anything else. While a sweet card with some cash included is always welcome, it’s fun to take a gift to the next level and create the ever-elusive money tree. We like that once the cash is removed from the tree, this can serve as a fun decorative item to hold important photos or mementos.

Smoochable Lips

Summer friday lip butter balm.

Leaving high school behind means growing up and trying new things, and fresh makeup is a common way to experiment. Summer Friday is a super popular brand with teens and just luxe enough to feel special. The lip butter balm is available in eight amazing options–some are pigmented, while others are just glossy and have yummy tastes like mint, cherry or vanilla. They are all made with vegan ingredients.

Cherish Sweet Moments

Claire's butterfly water-filled picture frame.

This water-filled picture frame is a sweet gift for friends to give friends. It stands up on its own and holds a 4 x 6 photograph. Printing photos can be rare these days, so having a teen print a photo, put it in a frame, and then gift it to their buddy is a sentimental gift that makes a perfect decoration for a dorm or new room.

Hang Up Anything

Command hook variety pack.

Pair this practical Command Hook Variety Pack with some framed photos and a gift card to a local framer. While it’s not a terribly exciting gift, Command Hooks are so useful and versatile that your high school graduate is sure to put them to good use.

Prepared For Anything

Cartman 39-piece tool set.

Raha, a New Jersey mom of teens, loves to give this practical gift to high school grads. With this 39-piece toolkit, your teen is prepared for the practical side of life outside the home. Along with a hammer, pliers and tape measure, the set includes many other useful tools. The set is affordable, cute and comes in eight colorways that can suit any teen’s preferences.

A Trusty Pen With A Sweet Message

Sweet water decor metal "you got this" pen set.

A set of three pens is useful, but the sweet motivational messages on the pens reminds your high school graduate that they are awesome and can take on the next challenge. As a math tutor to many high school students, Sasha likes to give pen sets to some of them when they graduate high school. It’s useful and affordable, and we all know it’s good to be the one with a pen when you need it, and it’s a thoughtful gift that doesn’t break the bank.

Ditch The Iron

Conair handheld travel garment steamer.

Let’s be real–the likelihood of a high school grad ironing their clothes is slim to none, but this trusty travel steamer is life-changing. While a hand-held steamer may not live in a prominent spot in your teen’s room, when the moment comes that they need to quickly release wrinkles from a crumpled-up shirt that they just must wear, this is a winning gift. Often on sale at under $15, the steamer is small enough for travel or stashing in a dorm room, just waiting for its moment to shine.

A Small Step To Remember Big Moments

One line a day: a five-year memory book.

I’ve gone through three of these and only wish I had started completing them in college–how fun and meaningful it would have been to capture that time in my own words. If a diary is overwhelming, this one-line-a-day format makes it a cinch to quickly capture feelings, events or anything else you want to remember. Each page of the book captures one day for five years, so you’re creating a keepsake while being mindful.

Encouraging Organization And Safe-Keeping

Bagsmart peri folding jewelry organizer.

While your high school graduate may not have many fancy jewels, having a smart spot to keep all their special jewelry is essential. This affordable jewelry organizer comes in a wide range of colorways and folds neatly to fit in a suitcase, dresser drawer or anywhere else. Five compartments keep everything neatly organized, including ring rolls, an earring grid, necklace holders and more. Add some thoughtful jewelry for a bigger splurge and wow your grad.

Perfect For Travelers

Twelve south airfly se bluetooth wireless audio transmitter.

As a college counselor at a private high school, Rachael is always on the road visiting colleges, and she recommends this gadget to any of her high school students who plan to be flying a lot. She’s noticed most teens prefer wireless headphones, but get stuck without an option on the plane. This gadget is easy to pair and makes your teen’s wireless headphones usable again when on a flight, using gym equipment or gaming. File this under the “didn’t know you needed it” category.

Study In Silence

Loop United States

Loop Quiet Earplugs

If your graduate is easily distracted or prefers to work in silence, these unique earplugs are just that–they aren’t headphones to play music, just noise-canceling earplugs. They are perfect for sleeping, studying or just getting used to life in a new, and maybe louder, environment. The affordable earplugs come in four colors, and the set includes a carrying case and four interchangeable tips for the perfect fit.

Cover Up In Comfort

Quince organic cotton turkish waffle robe.

Quince is known for making luxury goods with upfront and reduced pricing. We all know privacy may be minimal if your grad is heading off to live in a college dorm. They will love the luxe feel of this waffle cotton robe, and you’ll love the affordable price tag. Lightweight, super soft and highly absorbent, this robe is perfect for shower time, lounging around a dorm room or getting ready for a night out. Available in four sizes and four colors, this is a best-seller for a good reason.

No Excuses To Not Call Home

Iwalk iphone portable charger.

I love this portable phone charger–it’s small enough to fit inside a pocket or fanny pack. It’s sized like a tube of lipstick, and simply plugs into the base of an iPhone to power it back up. It’s incredibly helpful as long as your teen remembers to charge the backup battery. If you plan to give this, just know what phone your high school graduate has–there are options for various iPhones and Android phones.

Never Confuse Your Clothes

Deets design personalized laundry backpack.

Laundry is inevitable, but at least this personalized and customizable laundry bag helps ensure that dirty (or clean!) clothes never get confused in the laundry room. The sturdy sack can hold two to three loads of laundry–we know how teens like to wait until they literally have nothing left to wear. Adjustable shoulder straps make it easy to carry that laundry load. The backpack has a large mesh pocket on the outside to hold detergent and an inner zippered pocket for coins or a laundry card.

Clean Up Any Mess

Black+decker 8v dustbuster hand vacuum.

While it’s certainly not the most fun present, this gift screams practicality and can be a thoughtful addition, especially if paired with other dorm room items or a local gift card. Lightweight and powerful, the cordless vacuum helps your kiddo keep their dorm room free of dust, snack spills or any other messes. It works on carpet and wooden floors and comes with a wall-mounted charger, so it’s easy to stash out of sight.

Lounge In Style

J. crew short-sleeve pajama set.

Comfy, cozy and modest, this pj’s set is perfect for hanging out. Ditch the ratty T-shirts and old sweatpants for a matching set that is a bit more sophisticated. Available in numerous colorways, we love the inclusive sizing range from XX-Small to 3X. J. Crew also has lovely men’s pajamas if you’re shopping for a young dude.

For Furry Friend Lovers

West & Willow

West & Willow Custom Pet Portraits

If the idea of leaving a pet behind breaks your high school grad’s heart, these custom pet portraits from West & Willow are a creative way for them to bring their furry friend with them (without getting in trouble). Created by real artists, the individually designed art is minimalist and not cutesy and looks amazing on a dorm room wall. To create your pet portrait, simply upload a photo, customize it with many options including the pet’s name, color and size, and then approve your portrait.

Bring The Beats

Treblab wireless bluetooth speaker.

If they don’t have one already, a portable Bluetooth speaker is an excellent gift for any teen. My teen has this speaker, and it’s constantly on the go with him. Small enough to stash in a backpack, the speaker is durable, impact-resistant and waterproof. One charge lasts up to 20 hours, so the portable speaker brings the music wherever your kiddo is.

A Versatile Cooking Tool

Gourmia 8-quart digital air fryer.

When high school senior Jesse discovered that rice cookers were not allowed in his dorm, he had to cross off his top graduation gift from his list. This versatile cooking gadget is also awesome if an air fryer is allowed in your kiddo’s dorm or if they plan on living in a different housing arrangement. It has one-touch presets for items like wings, fries and other favorites and can hold up to eight quarts of food.

Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Leather Poker Set

Game night just got a lot more fun with this luxe poker set. Packed into a leather box are 100 poker chips and two decks of cards. The box can be monogrammed and is available in four colors to make it a special, personalized gift. Monogramming is an extra cost, making the item non-returnable, so check your spelling twice.

Keep Track Of Your Stuff

Apple airtag 4 pack.

If keeping track of important stuff is a challenge for your teen, getting them a four-pack of Apple Air tags can provide peace of mind and eliminate (or at least reduce) a constant search for lost items. Air Tags can be attached to gym bags, key chains, suitcases or a host of other items and can be precisely located via the Find My app on the phone.

A Dorm Room Essential

Pottery Barn Teen

Pottery Barn Teen Bed In A Bag Comforter & Sheet Set (Twin XL)

Settling into a dorm can be overwhelming. This would be a lovely gift for a close friend or family member. The white sheets and comforter are a perfect neutral, so your teen can express themselves with a throw pillow or textured or colorful throw blanket they could purchase. The five-piece set includes one comforter, a standard sham pillow, a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a standard pillowcase. Always confirm bedding sizes, but this is the college-famous Twin XL size.

Get Ready To Jet Set

Herschel Supply Co.

Herschel Hardshell Large Carry-On Luggage

Many of the teens we talked to listed travel as a top gift. While that’s pretty specific, we love the idea of gifting high school graduates their very own new luggage. Herschel is a cool teen-approved brand that makes luggage out of recycled materials, has a 100-day return policy, and offers a variety of options. We love the larger of the two carry-on sizes for its versatility, but there are also smaller sizes, soft-shell suitcases and many more options.

Get Around In Style

Radio flyer everyday utility ebike.

New Jersey teen Zoe is off to college in Vermont, so she asked for skis as a high school graduation gift. While skis are a bit location-specific, we think an electric bike would be an amazing splurge gift for teens to get around campus and enjoy the outdoors. This electric bike can carry up to 300 pounds and has a 30- to 50-mile battery range on one full charge, which should be plenty to get around campus for a while. The bike can go up to 20 miles per hour, so your teen will never be late to class. Pair with a helmet for an amazing gift.

Be On Time For Interviews And Everything Else

Apple watch series 9 smartwatch.

High school senior Sarah in Philadelphia said she’d love a nice watch for high school graduation to be on time for job interviews. We love the motivation, Sarah, and think a new Apple watch is a useful gift. Not only does the watch tell time so you’re not late for interviews, but it has many other convenient capabilities. There are so many features, like fall detection, fitness tracking, temperature sensing and more.

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Howard university cancels graduation mid-ceremony after furious family members pound on doors, smash window.

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A graduation ceremony for nursing students at Howard University ended abruptly and in chaos after angry family members chanted “Let us in!” and pounded on the doors and smashed a window after being locked out when the auditorium hit capacity.

Loved ones of students in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences packed into the Cramton Auditorium in Washington, DC, on Thursday, but not all relatives made it inside the building before the ceremony was abruptly canceled during the keynote address.

Chaotic video footage shows dozens of people standing outside the auditorium chanting “Let us in! Let us in!” as the ceremony began. Pictures showed a glass door had been shattered during the commotion as people banged on the doors and tried to push past security to go inside.

“While they were doing the keynote speaker, there was, like, loud banging, even before that, for like 10 minutes straight,” graduate Bria Flowers told NBC Washington. “Just like boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.”

School officials told students and their families mid-ceremony that the fire department had come to shut things down.

“Because of the size of the room and because our relatives sometimes do not know how to act, the fire department is now here to shut us down,” Dr. Gina S. Brown, dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, said to a roaring response of boos.

However, D.C. Fire and EMS denied shutting down the graduation.

“D.C. Fire and EMS did not shut down tonight’s event,” the department said. “At 6:42 p.m., we responded to the Cramton Auditorium for a medical local at the request of campus police. The patient was evaluated and refused transport, and D.C. Fire and EMS departed.”

1 hurt in chaos after Howard University nursing graduation ceremony reaches maximum capacity 📹: @Dream_Girl_MG https://t.co/BEL54p8OVJ pic.twitter.com/v82nASe5b9 — Allison Papson (@AllisonPapson) May 10, 2024

Students and their families were left shocked and upset by how quickly things got out of hand.

“I’m confused why it got so crazy, how it got so quick, so bad so fast,” graduate Kiana Hamilton said.

Fellow graduate Halle Ragoonanan said the incident was especially heartbreaking for her and her family because she didn’t get to walk during her high school graduation in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I didn’t even get to walk,” she said. “I didn’t get to walk. I graduated magna cum laude and I didn’t even get to walk. I’m the class of 2020. I didn’t get to walk for my high school graduation and I didn’t get to walk for my college graduation.”

Other graduates lamented over how much money their families had spent to be there for their special day just for it to be canceled.

This mother's day weekend Howard University shutdown graduation and blamed the families instead of taking accountability for poor planning. What did you expect when you have the largest graduating class and no headcount limit per graduate. Let them walk at commencement! pic.twitter.com/PipTkmr7D1 — Dee (@darling_daphney) May 10, 2024

“All the money we spent,” an unnamed student told the station. “My father and grandmother came down from North Carolina.”

Howard said security removed someone from the building before the ceremony who returned and smashed the glass door outside the auditorium.

One student was found with cuts on their hands from the broken glass.

“This incident led to a disturbance among guests outside of the facility, resulting in a disruption of the program,” Howard’s statement said. “Guests in attendance were immediately dispersed following this incident.”

Some of the affected students were able to walk in the university’s main commencement ceremony on Saturday, while individual awards were given out to students on Friday.

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