Does any one know what exactly a graduation ceremony consists of?

Answer 1

Generally you have a salutatorian who greets the audience and makes a speech. There is the valedictorian who also has a speech and usually a guest speaker. The principal or superintendant reads off the names of the graduates. Each graduate steps forward, shakes their hand and take their diploma. Most often it is just a generic scroll as the diplomas are mailed out afterward. This helps to make sure that everyone gets the right one, but also the school needs extra time to be certain that everyone completed the requirements.
Often the choir attends and sings. Then they congratulate you and you go outside where everyone tosses up their caps in celebration.