Too much violence

Quantavis Lovett, 18, walked across the stage to receive his Dublin (Georgia) High School diploma, weeks after he was shot, reports Karmen Brown for WMAZ. A bullet went through his neck and is still lodged in his cheek. Lovett plans to study computer science at Clark Atlanta University this fall. Police are still seeking the shooter.

Jamario Baker was shot and killed minutes after receiving his high school diploma.

Jamario Baker, 18, was still wearing his graduation robes when he was shot and killed by an unknown gunman in a Fairfield, California parking lot. A great-aunt said he was protecting his 11-year-old sister, who was one of four people who were wounded. Baker had just received his diploma from Sem Yeto Continuation High School. The shooter is still at large.

In New Orleans, Ferdinand Woolens, 18, made it to his graduation party before he was shot. He died a few days later. A 17-year-old student faces second-degree murder charges.

Karmelo Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the stabbing murder of Austin Metcalf, 17, at a track meet in Plano, Texas. Anthony had taken offense when he was asked to leave a rival team's tent. The jury did not believe his claim of self-defense. With a little more self-control -- or perhaps just common sense -- both teenagers would be high school graduates now planning their futures.

Ghouls have threatened both Anthony's parents and Metcalf's parents.