Elementary graduation

Well all I have is two lens to choose from. Auditorium not to great lighting, not sure how close I'll be to the stage. Do I use the 50 with or without the flash, cause I can't see using the kit lens without the flash even if I bump the iso. Or do I use the kit lens with the flash since I will have probably no zooming with my feet.

I would say go with the any sort of zoom capability, especially in the case where there are so many moving parts to a graduation. Maybe go rent a longer lense something like the Canon 70-200 2.8?

both seem kind of short, but that also depends on where you are going to be in relation to the stage (or area of focus).

Well, if it's in the traditional elementary "cafetorium" you stand a chance of getting relatively close to the stage. You'll need your flash for the post-graduation snaps, but it will depend on how close you can get to the stage on whether you can use it during the ceremony. The 50 f1.8 will probably be your best bet. Like the other posts state, you're a little limited on reach. Any place in Pittsburg that rents?

We have reallynothing but Ritz camera around here. I'll probably get there early see what I can get from where I'm sitting and maybe switch to the kit lens, if I don't use it during the ceremony, for after pics.

To be honest, the 50mm will probably do you the most justice considering probably inadequate lighting, as long as you can get into a decent position to shoot your subject. I probably would use it for after ceremony pics also, unless I really needed the wide end of the kit lens.

The afterward concern is group pics where I am probably going to need something wider. I plan on just stopping down the kit lens to f11 and shooting with the flash.

I just shot an elementary graduation (actually a kindergarten graduation - cap and gown and all) and was forced to use the kit lens and my 50mm f1.8 because the Tamron 28-75 is in the shop. I'll tell you, that 50mm is tough. DOF will be razor thin for you which means focus is absolutely critical. I opted for the kit lens and my 550EX w/Stoboframe bracket. I also used the Lumiquest ProMax diffuser. Pics came out OK.

Good luck. It's great fun but lots of work.