Pros and cons: Some students look forward to graduation ceremony; others prefer to not attend.

Byline: Chloe Morrison

May 7--Area colleges are in the midst of graduation season, but not every graduate will attend commencement. For some college students, commencement is the symbolic light at the end of a tunnel, marking the end of an undergraduate career. For others, the ceremony is an unnecessary ritual. Students weighing in on the pros and cons of commencement said everything from family expectations to the cost of a cap and gown can influence a decision on whether or not to attend graduation. Some are swayed by the choice of speakers or the chance to watch their friends walk across the stage. Communication major Billy Smith, 25, was scheduled to graduate Saturday from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mr. Smith said last week that he was excited …