FLY LIST: Top 6 Things to Avoid Doing at Your High School Graduation

As summer approaches and graduation season nears, many high school seniors ask themselves “what do I do at graduation?” However, few wonder the far more important question: “What should I not do? Here is the official Fly List of the six most important things to avoid doing at your high school graduation. 

1. Thank the academy

Although it is tempting to pretend like you are in an awards show, please do not thank the academy when you receive your diploma. Frankly, don't thank anyone. The truth is that you barely passed P.E. and the only reason you have an A in history is because your creepy teacher took a liking to you. 

2. Do your gender reveal

I will admit, gender reveals have swept the nation this past year. The extravagant announcements come in many different forms, some of which have been known to even cause wildfires. Since you may not know how much wood is near, it’s probably wise  to avoid a hazardous gender reveal. We don’t really care, anyway. 

3. Dress inappropriately

This should be self explanatory. It is very important to research the details of your highschool graduation dress code as many have said they regret their graduation outfits. As many graduated in 2021, in the midst of a post-COVID identity crisis,  the leading graduation attire, beating out the cap and gown and a white dress, was a “Make America Great Again” hat.   

4. Present a speech in the form of a drill rap

Though many highschool rappers are academically flourishing at their New York City elite private institutions, you may want to avoid drill rapping at their graduation. One teacher, who insisted on remaining anonymous, said that their valedictorian quoted lyrics from prominent drill rap artists 41, Kyle Rich and Jenn Carter’s song “Fetty.” Said student told the graduating class that there was a dark point in his life that he had to overcome in highschool, describing that he was “seein’ demons, I thought I was dreamin’, grah” and that he had “too many thotties, don't know who to pick.”

5. Crop dust

As your time on stage is short but sweet, for everyone’s sake, please don't fart. If you absolutely must, make it silent, so that you can blame it on your principle, or maybe the student sitting next to you.

6. Accidentally kiss the head of school as you accept your diploma

As you hug the head of school after they give you your diploma, do not kiss them. Although it may feel natural at the moment, it truly is best to avoid any kind of grazing of the lips. To further ensure there is no contact between you two, keep your mouth closed to avoid a tongue kiss. 

Graduating high school is monumental in every teen’s life. Don't ruin the celebration by doing any of these things. If you think you may not be able to resist the temptation, don't come, you were probably just invited out of pity anyway, that or the fact that your $60,000 tuition paid for the venue.

Rosie Lee