Over the many years we have been here in Chuuk we have seen a lot of different customs and traditions. However last week we attended our first graduation here in Chuuk. For many schools they have graduation celebrations for 8th graders and seniors. For many eight grade is all the education they will receive. We understand the need to have a ceremony for the eight grade students, but not a two hour program featuring singing, speeches, and more speeches. Mostly to thank everyone for being in attendance.
Yet we still were not prepared for what happened after the ceremony. We didn't know what to think when we saw the celebration that followed. The parents and families of the students made headdresses out of money and each one that followed was more elaborate than the first. In the meantime the students were given things from necklaces made of candy bars to balloons and whatever you can expect to find on a small island. And as if it were a political campaign some of the students were met with posters and picket board announcing their success. As we head to Guam this will be one of our last memories here in Chuuk we will be sure to cherish or one just difficult to forget.
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| Close-up view: Crown of Money |
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