Graduation Day

Editor’s note: This column was originally published in the May 19, 2004 issue of The Countywide.

Folks this special day is fast approaching. Soon mortar boards will be sailing through the air and landing no one knows for sure just where. This is also true for the lives of those who threw them. An ending has occurred but so has a new beginning. Some will go on to further their education at academic institutions while others will find jobs and go immediately into the work force.

Whatever the graduates do or wherever they go nothing will be quite the same again. This is not only true for the graduates but for their families and loved ones. Separation takes place! A fledgling will be leaving the nest and there will be both sadness and happiness involved.

Folks, there is nothing quite like a high school graduation. I have attended many commencements, some as a graduate and many, many more as a teacher, administrator and speaker. Folks, I must admit that moisture came to my eyes at most, if not all, of them.

Graduation conjures up all kinds of emotions for the graduates and their loved ones. The graduates will leave their classmates, some of whom they have been associated with for the past twelve years or more. I dare say there will be some of them that they may never see again – friends with whom they played sports or played in the band together. Some were in plays together or were members of the same club or organization. Some of the close relationships, formed in school, will be lost, but not forgotten.

Years later, yes many many years later they will recall the associations and events that happened as they reminisce about those special "school days."

There may be tears of sadness as they say goodbye to long time friends, favorite teachers and in some cases loved ones. However there will be tears of happiness as they look forward to new experiences, challenges, opportunities and new friends.

So I say congratulations to each graduate. You have come to the end of your high school days but you will always remember those special moments and special events. That special teacher who gave you counsel and befriended you along your way will be remembered. As you grow older you will appreciate more and more their efforts on your behalf.

Last, but not least, you will grow to appreciate all that your parents and loved ones have done and will continue to do for you throughout your life. Graduation day is a big day for you but it is also a monumental day for them.

Their baby has grown up!

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