"Graduating with Distinction"

NickMomSince1997

NickMomSince1997

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2014
Messages
58
Does anyone know when it is known/announced for the graduating class who made the top 10% (the graduating "with distinction" group, based on overall order of merit)? Do they have to wait until after final grades are in for spring semester (so not until about a week prior to the actual ceremony)? Also, is it true that there is special seating area for the families of those mids at the ceremony as well as for those mids themselves? I've also heard that those mids who are in that group are usually disappointed NOT to be sitting with their company mates. Info/comments/thoughts?
 
Yes, there is separate seating for the mids - the front rows.

Yes, there are tickets for the parents to sit with the dignitaries.

Most mids would rather be with their company mates.

You find out at end of final semester 1C year.
 
A1Janitor said:
Yes, there is separate seating for the mids - the front rows.

Yes, there are tickets for the parents to sit with the dignitaries.

Most mids would rather be with their company mates.

You find out at end of final semester 1C year.
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All the foreign military attachés sit down in the field VIP seating. Makes for great conversations at the little refreshment tent where you can get a cold water. Fabulous uniforms and chest candy on display. They are there to commission international mids into their home country service.

If I recall correctly, a distinction grad gets either 2 or 4 tickets for the field seating. I’m leaning toward 2. Plus stadium seating for the rest of the entourage.
 
We got two for VIP. And ten in his designated company seating in stadium.

We a few needed extra - which the mid can get. There was plenty of seating in company area for more than ten.
 
... so this is a contrarian post.
I think I know who will be the "anchor" for the Class of 2026: my DS's classmate. Academic probation for two semesters in a row. He stayed with us several times already. Pleasant, nice fellow, always smiling. I think, until now, everything was easy for him. Youngest of four siblings, I think he did not have much pressure growing up. DS assisted him with homework. I think the Academic Probation board (yup, to get kick outta here) will put flames in his fourth point of contact (Parachute Landing Fall or PLF).
 
Capt MJ said:
All the foreign military attachés sit down in the field VIP seating. Makes for great conversations at the little refreshment tent where you can get a cold water. Fabulous uniforms and chest candy on display. They are there to commission international mids into their home country service.

If I recall correctly, a distinction grad gets either 2 or 4 tickets for the field seating. I’m leaning toward 2. Plus stadium seating for the rest of the entourage.
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We got a couple of on-field seats for my son's graduation. Either because I'm an alum or because I'm retired military. The rest of the fam watched from the grandstand.
 
Hey I’m just looking to find some shade 37 days from now. The seating is less important to me than the people we are with who make up the tribe of supporters who have loved and supported DS to and through this.

I’ll be on the even side with lots of water and sunscreen. And tissues. Lots of tissues.

We received the formal letter yesterday sent to all firstie parents congratulating them on the upcoming achievement of their DS or DD. It was ridiculous. I couldn’t even make it one sentence in without the lump in my throat winning. The tears of pride and acknowledgment that these kids volunteer create a humility that is very real. And that is true for me for of all who serve.
 
Do they still allow parents to sit on the field? If memory serves, they did in 2019 but not in 2021. All parents and VIPs were in the stands. Closer to the podium, but still in the stands.

Personally, I preferred not to be in the top 100 WRT the ceremony itself. The non-top-100 not only sit with their closest friends of 4 years, but also get 2 pix. You get the pic of receiving your diploma -- from Supe or Dant. AND get a pic of shaking hand of the speaker.

I BELIEVE Pres. Reagan was the first President to shake the hand of every grad. Still amazes me that he, in his 70s, stood in a black suit in the sun for more than 2 hours shaking hands. I believe that, since that time, every speaker (President or other) has shaken the hands of every grad. It's a great photo moment and very memorable to the new Ensign!

[As an aside, it is an incredible feat and honor to graduate in the top 100. And you get listed separately in the program in order of merit. But, in the moment, sharing that moment with your classmates is very special!]
 
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One of my best memories was sitting amongst my closest friends in my company. We sit in alphabetical order and some how my closest friends ended up being alright in front, behind and close enough we could chat. My room mate was the only one missing… she graduated top 5 and was stuck with the top 100. She had to sit next to a guy she did not like.
 
We did not sit on the field last year. The parent section was on the sunny side. My son was disappointed at first not being able to sit with his company, but then realized he would have been sitting next to his least-favorite company mates, anyway. He would be nowhere near his best friends. He ended up knowing pretty much everyone sitting near him and had a great time. In the end, the ceremony is only a few hours of a very busy week.
 
Must confess that graduation week was one of the best times of my life. USNA makes it so very special for every grad and their family. We went to almost every "official" event and quite a few non-official ones. It's a week that just builds and builds until that special moment of graduation / commissioning.

For soon-to-be-grads, keep in mind that this is likely the last time your family will see you at USNA. Even if you aren't excited about the band concert or church service or Supe's garden reception or dances or whatever, your family probably will be. This is their big chance to celebrate with you and -- in most cases -- you owe a lot of your success to your family. Graduation week is about you, but it's also about them. Let them enjoy!

For parents -- notwithstanding the above, rein in your desire to do everything. Your mid is ready to be done, to embark on their new journey. They want to spend time with their best friends, some of whom they may not see for years and some maybe not ever. They're tired of King Hall food, trips to the MidStore and dances in Dahlgren. Cut them some slack if they don't want to attend every event. Pick the ones that are most meaningful to you and be willing to forego some of the others.

Most of all, enjoy the time together. Enjoy the accomplishment. Enjoy the future the lies ahead!
 
Great advice above.

I suggest reviewing the Comm Week schedule with your ‘24 mid now, day by day, and getting assumptions and expectations talked through.

If you’re doing a family dinner, understand they may be headed out the door at 9 PM to meet with their friends from X for one last gathering at Y, and they have no idea where they are going after that, maybe some impromptu gathering at rental house Z, and sleep isn’t in the plan. Nor is sitting around with family after dinner. Prepare for them to be exhausted all week long. They have a million things to do. They also know people they have seen every day for years, they may not see until the 10th reunion or ever again. They are on a very personal one-car rollercoaster ride that week.
 
usna1985 said:
Must confess that graduation week was one of the best times of my life. USNA makes it so very special for every grad and their family. We went to almost every "official" event and quite a few non-official ones. It's a week that just builds and builds until that special moment of graduation / commissioning.

For soon-to-be-grads, keep in mind that this is likely the last time your family will see you at USNA. Even if you aren't excited about the band concert or church service or Supe's garden reception or dances or whatever, your family probably will be. This is their big chance to celebrate with you and -- in most cases -- you owe a lot of your success to your family. Graduation week is about you, but it's also about them. Let them enjoy!

For parents -- notwithstanding the above, rein in your desire to do everything. Your mid is ready to be done, to embark on their new journey. They want to spend time with their best friends, some of whom they may not see for years and some maybe not ever. They're tired of King Hall food, trips to the MidStore and dances in Dahlgren. Cut them some slack if they don't want to attend every event. Pick the ones that are most meaningful to you and be willing to forego some of the others.

Most of all, enjoy the time together. Enjoy the accomplishment. Enjoy the future the lies ahead!
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From my prior experience, it’s also OK to do events without them. If they don’t want to go the grad ball, but you do? Go. You’ll have fun any how (and even if your person was there…they’ll be gone with their buddies). If they don’t want to go see the Marine Silent Drill Team? Still go. Even in the rain. Same with the museums and open houses.

We made our plan of attack, and sometimes our guy came, and sometimes he didn’t. Sometimes he checked in on us for a bit and left early.

They are like gnats. Flying all over the place, at a whim of what’s ’going on’.

Do it ALL. With or without your Mid.

Did I mention 30 DAYS 😱??!?
 
usna1985 said:
Must confess that graduation week was one of the best times of my life. USNA makes it so very special for every grad and their family. We went to almost every "official" event and quite a few non-official ones. It's a week that just builds and builds until that special moment of graduation / commissioning.

For soon-to-be-grads, keep in mind that this is likely the last time your family will see you at USNA. Even if you aren't excited about the band concert or church service or Supe's garden reception or dances or whatever, your family probably will be. This is their big chance to celebrate with you and -- in most cases -- you owe a lot of your success to your family. Graduation week is about you, but it's also about them. Let them enjoy!

For parents -- notwithstanding the above, rein in your desire to do everything. Your mid is ready to be done, to embark on their new journey. They want to spend time with their best friends, some of whom they may not see for years and some maybe not ever. They're tired of King Hall food, trips to the MidStore and dances in Dahlgren. Cut them some slack if they don't want to attend every event. Pick the ones that are most meaningful to you and be willing to forego some of the others.

Most of all, enjoy the time together. Enjoy the accomplishment. Enjoy the future the lies ahead!
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Excellent advice here! We are super excited about all that Commissioning Week has to offer, but we can also tell (since January!) that our Mid is ready to be away from there.
 
I echo USNA1985… it was an amazing week. Still one of my best weeks. Not sure how it works now, but USNA let us have overnight liberty each night. We jokingly said it’s our transition week, but our parents are here to supervise us. We had to be back each morning for formation. And eventually it was back even earlier for graduation practice. And yes, we practice graduating. It is very long days. Even after all the sponsored events there are graduation parties we want to attend of our buddies, then back early to practice whatever for the day. My room mate got married 2 days after graduation. So we immediately had to turn our attention to being bridesmaids. I think I went to 4 weddings in one day and did multiple sword arches and then changed to a dress for the last one. Let’s say I was on fumes at this point. I had my family leave the day after graduation because I knew my time would be consumed with all this.

The night before graduation we had to stay one last night in the hall. I am sure it was USNA’s way to ensure we don’t miss graduation. This is actually one of my best memories. My roommates and I were excited for breaks from our families to be honest. We sat around reminiscing about the week and telling stories. My one roommate was the oldest of 5, her little brother was around 5. Her parents forgot him somewhere at one point. I just remember us laughing and laughing. Even decades later, we can do this!
 
NickMomSince1997 said:
Excellent advice here! We are super excited about all that Commissioning Week has to offer, but we can also tell (since January!) that our Mid is ready to be away from there.
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This made me think of something that touched my heart. At DH’s last class reunion, age-related health problems have definitely impacted the class. There were grown sons and daughters there wheeling their dads around at the tollgate, to the ice breaker, to the company dinner, to the class memorial service, to other events. Some have had strokes or have cognitive issues or other serious health issues, but they wanted to be there with their classmates. Funny how a simple phrase can catch you - “our Mid is ready to be away from there.” But it astonishes me the turnouts for reunions, especially as the class gets older. I think I have some ocular moisture issues right now because we are going to a memorial service for a DH classmate tomorrow at the Chapel, a well-known 4-star and consummate aviator with a distinguished career. He was always kind to me, had no problems with women in the Navy, and DH and DBIL deployed with him in the same air wing many times across the years. Classmates are coming in from all over for “Snuffy.”
 
NavyHoops said:
I echo USNA1985… it was an amazing week. Still one of my best weeks. Not sure how it works now, but USNA let us have overnight liberty each night. We jokingly said it’s our transition week, but our parents are here to supervise us. We had to be back each morning for formation. And eventually it was back even earlier for graduation practice. And yes, we practice graduating. It is very long days. Even after all the sponsored events there are graduation parties we want to attend of our buddies, then back early to practice whatever for the day. My room mate got married 2 days after graduation. So we immediately had to turn our attention to being bridesmaids. I think I went to 4 weddings in one day and did multiple sword arches and then changed to a dress for the last one. Let’s say I was on fumes at this point. I had my family leave the day after graduation because I knew my time would be consumed with all this.

The night before graduation we had to stay one last night in the hall. I am sure it was USNA’s way to ensure we don’t miss graduation. This is actually one of my best memories. My roommates and I were excited for breaks from our families to be honest. We sat around reminiscing about the week and telling stories. My one roommate was the oldest of 5, her little brother was around 5. Her parents forgot him somewhere at one point. I just remember us laughing and laughing. Even decades later, we can do this!
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Great post. Question - is that still a thing for the graduating MIDS to stay in Bancroft the night before graduation? As a parent, I have nothing whatsoever against that, but this is the first I've heard it, so I am curious. It actually sounds like a good idea.
 
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