Students graduate around the country, with flags, politicians and a furry friend

A Colorado student defied officials with a Mexican flag, the vice-president visited West Point and a service animal lent a paw

A Colorado high school student defied a federal judge's ruling and wore a Mexican flag sash to her high school graduation after fending off repeated resistance from the school.

The event was just one of a clutch of unusual graduations and commencements across the country in the last week, with some firsts - and one furry companion.