Yes, I’m side-eyeing everybody who clapped when they said don’t. Because being proud doesn’t have to be rude. I get it. You’re proud. You’ve waited for this moment. Your baby worked hard, and so did you — and you want the whole room to know it. But here’s the thing: so did everybody else. Graduations, promotions, recitals — these moments are sacred for every family. And when the announcer clearly asks for no clapping or yelling so that every name can be heard, that’s not just a “suggestion.” It’s a sign of respect. When you scream over someone’s child’s name or cheer so loud it drowns out the next student, you’re not just showing pride — you’re stealing someone else’s moment. And that ain’t right. This graduation season, let’s all celebrate with joy and consideration. And, let’s also honor each other the same way we want to be honored. Your child deserves to be celebrated, AND so does everyone else’s. graduation dontclapyet holdtheapplause congratulations