Graduation at Vammalan lukio

The proud Graduates of Vammalan lukio

The Finnish school year in all senior secondary schools culminates in the graduation day, the Saturday of week number 22, when the students who passed the national matriculation exam get their reports and white caps.

After the ceremony the white-capped students march to the local cemetery to place one rose each on the monument raised in honour of the people who died in fighting for Finland?s independence.

Afterwards families celebrate the new graduate in homes inviting relatives, friends and sometimes teachers to join them.  In the evenings the students have their own parties either in restaurants or outdoors if the weather is warm enough.  Even if a great number of students split their matriculation exams, majority still want to get the white cap in spring.

Unlike in some other countries the matriculation exam report doesn?t automatically open the doors of universities but a great number of students have to take an additional entrance exam.  The student who has done well in the national exam gets extra entrance points that will be counted together with the marks they get at the entrance exam.

The graduation caps ready for presentation	Caps On!	The graduates parade to the war cemetry to lay a rose on the war graves.	Two graduates who were active Comenius project participants.