It’s hot outside, school’s almost out, but there’s just one thing standing between you and summer: graduation. Graduation means you have completed the requirements for elementary school, middle school, high school or college, and now you will move on to whatever comes next.

You may be excited about leaving your school, or about your future, or about just being able to relax! Other people may be upset about leaving their old friends behind and starting all over again in the fall, sometimes at a new school.

Whether you are excited or not, graduation cannot be avoided. Make the best of it!
Here are some ways to celebrate that will make graduation fun:

• If your class is not having a party as a whole, gather a few of your friends and teachers together to organize a party that includes everyone. This way, no one will feel left out and you can celebrate together. If cost is an issue, propose a fundraising activity.
  
• Have a few close friends over to celebrate, although you might ask them not to talk about it so nobody else’s feelings get hurt. Plan a sleepover or cook dinner together for your families.
  
• Make sure you have all of your friends’ phone numbers or e-mail addresses so you can stay in touch.

Schools celebrate graduation in different ways. Some have special celebrations for the graduating 5th (or 6th), 8th and 12th graders because they are being promoted to a different level of schooling. Kids in the other grades often feel left out, but the key is respect. Those who are being honored during the graduation ceremony deserve respect for what they have achieved. Your time will come, and for now you can help the graduates celebrate their accomplishments.

Sometimes people give graduates presents. These gifts are usually things that signify the changes coming, or that will help with the next stage of schooling.

Like most celebrations or rituals, it is not the price of the gift that matters, but instead, the blessings and well wishing that a card or note conveys that really matters to the graduate. You are helping them meet their future!