For some reason, ushers don’t need to hand out slips of paper advising appropriate decorum for a wedding. People still know that while there might be a great party afterward, the ceremony itself should be free of hoots, shouts and cheers.

Not so with area high school graduations. Once again we hear laments that what should be dignified and solemn events are marred by people who can’t control themselves or defiantly choose not to do so. A set of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles might have worked hard to help a child earn a diploma, but misses hearing the graduate’s name called because kin and friends of the one just before are still screaming, stomping and jumping around. That’s certainly unfair.

School officials should not be faulted for the inconsiderate behavior that now takes place every year. In addition to the aforementioned slips of paper being distributed with programs to literally beg for cooperation, students are asked to instruct their guests on how to behave and masters of ceremony plead for decency. Organizers have done their best.

Graduations are exciting times. Hearts and emotions soar to see a young person’s diligence rewarded. Graduations hold the promise of a better future. It’s a happy night for all involved. But the life lesson is that those who show no respect for others shouldn’t expect to receive much for themselves. There’s no excuse for rudeness, for failing to be considerate of others. Never has been. Never will be.