Graduation is an important part of every teenager’s life. Some spend 18 years eagerly waiting for the day they are finally “free”, while others dread being forced to figure out what the future looks like without Mom & Dad. Our favorite shows and movies often highlight the pomp and circumstance of this momentous day, so as another class prepares to turn the tassel, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorites.
Modern Family: See You Next Fall
(2011: Season 2, Episode 23)I’ve always related to Alex, and never more so than this episode. I was a high school valedictorian as well and, let me tell you, at age 18, it’s a stressful moment. But she handled it like a champ.
She’s All That (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T43uKfi1riI
It’s the nightmare we’ve all had in one form or another…showing up naked to your high school graduation. But for Zack (played by Freddie Prinze, Jr.), it’s the price to be paid for making a bet that didn’t turn out as planned.
Schitt’s Creek: Grad Night (2017: Season 3, Episode 13)
If you’re not watching Schitt’s Creek, stop what you’re doing and get yourself a Netflix account…or Season 1-2 from HPB.com! In the Season 3 finale, Moira shows Alexis how proud she is of her graduation. As only Moira can.
Say Anything (1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n8wWX4Pxho
Of course the boombox scene gets all the notoriety here, but Diane’s valedictorian speech is poignant and thoughtful. We’ve all lived this moment in one way or another, on the edge of the future but clinging to the safety of the past.
Boy Meets World: Graduation (1998: Season 5, Episode 24)
Cory and Topanga—one of the greatest high school love stories ever. Also a valedictorian (noticing a theme, here?) but forgoing her speech, Topanga instead decides to pop the question. I mean, why not propose at graduation?
Congrats to the Class of 2018!