This year, Camas High School (CHS) significantly changed the graduation preparation schedule, which was a resoundingly popular decision among students. Instead of the traditional lengthy two-day process, the administration decided to streamline the process. They cut the practice time in half, saving time for both students and staff.
Reducing practice time for graduation allows students to have time back in their day for academics and extracurricular activities. With final assignments and work for senior projects piling up, many students appreciate the time to study and complete their work. Many students are also involved in clubs, sports or part-time jobs. By cutting back on practice time, students are better able to balance their schedules without the added stress of lengthy rehearsals.
“I think the shorter practices are a lot better,” Jacinda Lee, a graduating senior at CHS said. “We get more free time; the rehearsals take a long time. We get the day off that we would normally have had to practice for graduation.”
A more streamlined and efficient practice schedule would also lead to enhanced focus. Instead of dragging the process out over multiple days as has been done in previous years, shorter practices would mean that each session is purposeful and concentrated. This would require students to be more engaged and attentive during rehearsals, leading to an overall better understanding of the ceremony. Lengthy rehearsals can often lead to frustration and burnout among students, especially during an already hectic time of year.
“Originally the rehearsals included the awards ceremonies for seniors during the graduation. This year they decided to have senior awards on a separate day and not on the day we graduate,” CHS senior Dalila Drugovic said. “I am definitely for it because I don’t want to stay any longer than I need to.”
“We do a grad walk which takes up three hours of their day, so to have both a three-hour grad walk and a three-hour practice is a bit excessive,” Brandy Reed, an administrator at Camas High School said.
