The junior high school graduation ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 7. There are many ceremonies during the school year, but graduation is the most important of them.  For me, it is the most moving, too. 
    I have been to the graduation ceremonies of five junior high schools in Niigata City, and each time my experience was a little different.  This year I was very impressed with the music that the students sang.  When I listened to the songs, I closed my eyes, and I was carried away by the beautiful sound.  The students practiced very hard before the ceremony, and their performance was perfect.  After the ceremony was over, many students took pictures in front of the school with their teachers and friends.
   My junior high school in America did not have a graduation ceremony.  On the last day of school, we returned our textbooks to our teachers.  We cleaned out our lockers, and we said goodbye to our teachers and friends.  Then, we got on the school bus and went home.  Some of the students on the bus threw their old notebooks and worksheets out of the window.  They were very happy that their junior high school days were finished.
　　In American schools, we do not have an entrance ceremony for students, and we do not have welcome or farewell ceremonies for teachers.  When I first came to Japan, I thought there were too many ceremonies at Japanese schools.  Preparing for the many ceremonies takes a lot of time and hard work, and I thought that students should spend the time studying.
　　　However, over the years my opinion has changed.  Now I like the school ceremonies.  I think they are important for teachers and students.  When I go to a new school, I enjoy the chance to speak to everyone at the welcome ceremony.  When I leave a school, it is nice for me to say goodbye to all of the teachers and students at the farewell ceremony.  I think American schools should have more ceremonies.