High School Graduates
Do you remember your high school graduation? Here’s what I remember about mine.
It was 1974 and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I was going to college but that was it as far as a game plan. The rest of it (my life) just fell into place one small step at a time.
It was hot. The gym wasn’t air conditioned and I don’t remember what I wore beneath my gown but I’m sure it was a church dress, complete with slip and panty hose. My mom always insisted on the slip and panty hose for dress up occasions. I think I got rid of them when I left for college because I haven’t seen them since.
My family was there.
I was one of the tallest people in my class so I was at the back of the line.
I cried through the whole thing. As I have said before, I am a sentimental sap. I am physically unable to make it through a graduation, wedding, Hallmark commercial or funeral without tears.
And that, my friends, is about all I remember from my graduation ceremony. I don’t remember the speeches, the members of the school board, the teachers who were there…none of that.
Yes, it was 1974 and that was a long time ago but still, I know someone was bound to have spouted out words of wisdom in a graduation speech but evidently I was too busy sweating in my panty hose to pay much attention.
Class of 2012
This is my nephew, Price.
He graduates from high school next week. He’s super smart, talented and we love him dearly.
This is Ben Thompson, who just graduated this past week. He is also at the top of his class and he is a joy to be around.
This is Shelby, our minister’s daughter and also a new graduate. Shelby loves being in plays, singing and already has enough college credits to be a sophomore in college. She’s a sweetie and we are so proud of her.
This is Tyler Vibbert. When Tyler was young I felt sorry for him. You see he was the only boy in a host of girls! He had a sister and all his cousins were girls. He survived, flourished and grew into a fine young man. Just recently he was blessed with a boy cousin (finally!) Congrats, Tyler!
I go to church with these fine young Christian folks and just wanted to take this opportunity to remind them of a few things.
You are loved, by your friends, family, church, and community.
You are talented. God gave each of you special gifts. Make the most of them and use them for His glory.
Don’t worry if you don’t know what comes next. God does. Trust Him and he’ll lead you, just like He did me, one small step at a time.
30 years from now you won’t remember much about your high school graduation, but that’s okay because it isn’t the ceremony that matters anyway: it’s the friends and memories you made.
Blessings to each of you and all graduates everywhere as you begin your life journeys.
Here are a few of my favorite verses for you to take with you!
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
Psalm 71:5
For You are my hope, O Lord GOD;
You are my trust from my youth. (NKJV)
Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. (NIV)
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (NIV)
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)
May the good Lord continue to bless you and keep you safe on your journey!
How funny! I went to an interesting graduation last night. My nephew graduated and during the ceremony a fight broke out. Two women. Had to stop the ceremony long enough for the police to haul the women off. That’s one for the record books!
I just noticed your article about our graduation in 1974. A fun read as usual. I don’t remember much more than you. Yes, it was hot & crowded. (I wasn’t wearing a slip, but I was plenty uncomfortable.) We had our ceremony in the blue middle school gym, because the high school gym had been closed because of water drainage problems resulting from widening 68-80. Linda Howard & I were among the speakers that night, as we both did valedictory addresses. I must not have said anything of significance, because I recall nothing about the speech. Nothing. But the featured speaker was in the same boat. I’m pretty sure it was Walter Baker (then a state senator & later a judge) who had the honors. I have no idea about what he said either — the usual platitudes, I’m sure.
I do remember one other thing — a little practical joke played on me. Juniors, I believe, served as ushers or a similar function. Two of them were standing at the foot of the stair steps leading to the stage where the superintendent and principal as well as other dignitaries presided. My name was called for some kind of award, so I got up and headed for the steps. Standing there as an usher was Tim Parrish, and he looked at me as if some kind of mistake had been made and he motioned for me to stop. And I did. I stopped cold and didn’t know what to do. I then looked at the stage, and everyone there is looking at me wondering what the problem was. I then looked at Tim, and he had burst out laughing. I’d been had!