<p>My daughter received an award recently, and parents were invited to a special luncheon. We were given very little notice, and the ceremony was scheduled during my annual girls weekend away. 
I bailed on the girls weekend and attended. It was great and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! 
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<p>We are going to a PTK ceremony next month for my sister-- the community college version of PBK. They made it a point to tell family and friends they were invited, the whole family is going. Who else would be sitting in all those seats?</p>
<p>I don’t even remember my PBK ceremony except that it was scheduled for graduation weekend. I’m assuming my parents were there. </p>
<p>My middle daughter was given an informal invite to attend a departmental event and didn’t attend because she had an athletic awards banquet to attend instead. Turns out she’d won a major departmental award! Not only weren’t we, her parents, there to celebrate with her but she wasn’t even there to accept it. </p>
<p>Just tell them not to blow an air horn when your name is called.</p>
<p>I don’t know about the awards but some families also attend a professional conference where their kids present their paper. Everyone could easily spot them since they look out of place.</p>
<p>There weren’t parents at my PBK ceremony, though to be honest it was so unmemorable I don’t remember a thing about it. I suspect, however, as with everything else, they make a bigger deal of it today. </p>
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<p>The auditorium at D1’s college was full of family members for PBK. They didn’t actually announce the spring inductees until a couple of days ahead of time, and the ceremony was Saturday am (graduation on Sunday). We knew it was possible she would be PBK, so made our plans to get to town on Friday. Which worked out, since she and her boyfriend ended up as PBK. I think more local families just drove down when they heard, and obviously the fall inductees knew ahead of them. My parents (her grandparents) were there, and my dad cried. It was pretty great, wouldn’t have missed it for anything.</p>
<p>Just think how many parents attended the Academy Awards with their nominated “children” </p>
<p>Academy Awards is entertaining. Millions watch without any childen associated with it. I think it’s weird to attend awards ceremony after HS. We can support from a distance.</p>
<p>harvestmoon as others have said, the university and faculty are use to seeing parents/grandparents, sometimes extended family at these events. It is a big deal and should be celebrated - it also is affirming to the university and faculty when the event is well-attended. Great that your mom can bring your grandmother - it is a celebration on your achievement. Do not worry about any of the awkwardness. It also shows the emotional connection of your family. Now some families may not be able to attend S/D, GS/GD and would want to come. It is not weird. As also said, some students and/or families may not have enough notice or not realize it should not be missed (like not knowing they are getting a major dept award and getting an athletic award the same time).</p>
<p>My daughter just received a scholarship. She received a letter in the mail informing her that she was chosen for it and also that there is a dinner for the scholarship recipients. We also received a letter addressed to “The Parents of Ann Smith” and were invited to the dinner as well.</p>
<p>When my other daughter was inducted into PTK, the audience was filled with parents. We were also invited to a few awards ceremonies for our son when he was in college. </p>
<p>I strongly suspect that you’ll see many family members at this event. And congrats!!</p>
<p>Thanks for the input, everyone! I am totally going to bring them. </p>