Old England Graduation Banquet: Gym Transformed with Student-Made Decorations
Yesterday I shared a few photos showing the start of our son’s graduating class banquet decorations. If you missed that post, I also wrote about how we hung string lights across the gym to create a warm, festive atmosphere. The students and volunteers have been working steadily for months, and the theme chosen back in September has come to life: Old England.
The graduating class voted on the Old England theme when planning began, and they even sketched a floor plan with their layout ideas. Watching those initial sketches evolve into real structures and table displays has been incredibly rewarding. While a few finishing touches remain, most of the room is well underway and already looks charming.
Throughout the school year, the students dedicated time to build larger pieces such as a model London Bridge and a replica of Big Ben. These focal pieces anchor the space and help reinforce the theme—each one adds character and creates photo-worthy backdrops for the banquet.
Small details are just as important. My friend Lori crafted exquisite tissue paper flowers that bring a soft, handmade touch to the décor. These blooms provide color and texture, complementing the larger architectural pieces and making table settings feel special.
The students also painted a large mural to hang behind the head table. It’s bright, cheerful, and full of personality—exactly the kind of backdrop that helps highlight the graduates at their celebration. Several of those scenes would make lovely framed pieces, but for now they create a joyful focal point for the banquet.
Each guest table is thoughtfully named so attendees can quickly find their assigned spot when they arrive. The themed table names tie into the overall Old England concept and make seating both practical and fun.
Lanterns, string lights, and other ambient lighting elements have been added to set a warm, inviting tone across the gym. These simple lighting choices transform the large space, making it feel intimate and celebratory for the graduates and their guests.
Volunteers have been essential to bringing this vision to life. Because teams worked in shifts, it was difficult to capture every contributor in a single photo, but I did manage to snap a quick group shot of those who were there before lunch yesterday. The organized couple in the center—wearing a red shirt and a blue shirt—have coordinated schedules and supplies, helping keep the project on track.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to every parent, student, and volunteer who contributed time, materials, and creativity. When many happy hands come together, projects move faster and the result is richer. It’s been a pleasure working alongside everyone—seeing students take ownership of elements like Big Ben, the bridge, murals, and table décor makes the event especially meaningful.
As we finish the final touches for the graduation banquet, it’s exciting to anticipate how the space will look on the evening of the celebration. Between the handcrafted flowers, painted mural, named tables, and student-built structures, the gym will be transformed into an Old England-inspired setting that honors the graduates and highlights the community effort that made it possible.