Not Exactly a formal graduation scene, but it works for me: The Graduate (1967) http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x20wgt4_graduate-1967-swimming-pool-scene_shortfilms Mr. Braddock: Ben, what are you doing? Benjamin: Well, I would say that I'm just drifting. Here in the pool. Mr. Braddock: Why? Benjamin: Well, it's very comfortable just to drift here. Mr. Braddock: Have you thought about graduate school? Benjamin: No. Mr. Braddock: Would you mind telling me then what those four years of college were for? What was the point of all that hard work? Benjamin: You got me.

Movie - An Officer and a Gentleman Youtube - https://youtu.be/DS1IprW5ATA Foley: Class 1581, FALL OUT. Class [as one]: Aye, Aye Sir. Foley’s … finally finish. [cheers and congratulatory hugs] Seeger: [to Parents] What did you think? Mayo: You guys going over and get your salute? Ensign: No silver dollar, c’mon. Mayo: No, I’m going to go and get my first salute. Foley: Congratulations Ensign Seeger. Seeger: Thank you, Sir. Foley: Gunnery Sgt, Ensign Seeger, Sir. Foley: Congratulations, Ensign Mayo. Mayo: I won't ever forget you, sergeant. Foley: I know. Mayo: Wouldn't have made this if it weren't for you. Foley: Get the hell out of here. Mayo: Thank you, sergeant. Foley: Congratulations, Ensign Della Serra. Della Serra: Thank you, sergeant. Comment - Navy tradition is that the new ensign presents a silver dollar for their first salute. Typically the Drill Instructor will place the coin in their left pocket. Foley places Mayo's coin in his right pocket signifying that Mayo was a special candidate.

Thanks, Jon. Works for me, too.

When you said graduation, this scene from Say Anything is the first thing that popped into my mind. I think it works primarily because of subtext -- Diane's speech (and the principle's adulation) are pretty typical (though she gets real at the end), but it's the students' reactions that make it great. She's their superstar, and they could care less -- except for Lloyd, who has a crush. Also, there's a callback in this scene -- her father had previously told her that her speech wasn't quite working (can't remember the exact advice) and he ends up being the only person who laughs. Anyway... Movie: Say Anything Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n8wWX4Pxho PRINCIPAL: Thank you. Thank you, Joe. And now it’s time. I just can't introduce this person without saying: History, Oceanography, Creative Writing, Biochemistry. I think you know who I'm talking about. We're going to remember this student who said, "Hey world, check me out." Giving a speech entitled "Soaring Ahead," Miss Diane Court. DIANE: Thank-you. The real world. LLOYD (to his friend): Look at those eyes! DIANE (CONT'D): We're all about to enter “The Real World.” That's what everybody says. But most of us have been in the real world a long time. But I have something to tell everybody. I've glimpsed our future, and all I can say is...“Go Back.” [Diane’s father, in the audience, is the only person to laugh.] Well, it's almost over. We've gone to school together for three years, and we've been through a lot. But with that training out of high school gone, what's going to happen to us? We all know what the answers are. We want to be happy, go to college, work hard, maybe raise a family. But what if that doesn't happen? I have to be honest though, I have, I have all the hope and ambition in the world. But when I think about the future, the truth is, I am really scared.

Thanks, James. Posted for today's DD.

Great call, mkm28. Look for this on Thursday. Interesting, too, was just talking about this movie the other day. Kismet!