Graduation can be handled as formally or as informally as you deem appropriate. Here are a few options in use in other North Carolina communities.

Roughly half the existing programs recognize their graduates as part of a regular meeting of the elected board. This setting lends a formal air to the event, ensures that a majority of elected officials are on hand, and automatically generates publicity among those who attend the meeting, watch on community access television, or read about it in a newspaper. Often one graduate is selected by the participants to make brief comments about the program. A downside to this approach is that the academy participants often leave immediately after receiving their certificates (often on-camera), which may send an unintended message to those watching! One community plans to avoid this situation in the future by scheduling the ceremony for the end of the meeting.

Another approach is to hold a separate graduation event after the final class. This event may be a reception, a sit-down dinner, or a formal ceremony in caps and gowns. This format allows more time for each graduate to make comments, if desired. Elected officials, department heads, and the graduates' family members may be invited. One community makes the final session a celebration by starting with an informal breakfast, taking a tour of community facilities, then returning for a luncheon and ceremony with guests. One drawback is that costs may run higher for this type of special event.

Other communities close their program at the final class session, often with a wrap-up activity that pulls together all that they have learned. Typically, this session features a special dinner. Elected officials are often invited to take part in this class discussion and the awarding of certificates or diplomas.

A personal invitation to the graduation event from the city or county manager is a thoughtful gesture, and provides an opportunity to formally ask for the continued involvement of your graduates. Click here for a sample graduation invitation.

Whatever type of graduation you plan, be sure to acknowledge your graduates' commitment of time and energy to their community and encourage them to continue their involvement in the future. Most communities offer some type of tangible recognition to their graduates, such as:

• A certificate or diploma (alone, or in a presentation folder or frame)
• A reference book on local government (sometimes distributed at the first class)
• A group photo
• A polo shirt featuring the academy logo (sometimes distributed in advance so it can be worn for the graduation event)
• A lapel pin, pen set, paperweight, tote bag, or other gift with the community's seal
• A compact disc with images taken over the course of the academy