Sometimes a person wants to go to a ball, be surrounded by beautiful things and see and celebrate only the very best in others.
Graduations are great occasions to celebrate. Saturday, the valedictorian at our local high school colour night joked about, but was also very serious about, how important the occasion was to his class.
In their lives it was a milestone, a goal to reach for and something they had been planning for years. There were smiles on the faces of those who are usually serious and a seriousness about those who usually aren't.
Watching the young people in formal attire celebrating their accomplishments and their years together I was amazed at how quickly they had grown. I've been doing this job in this community long enough to remember taking their pictures while they were in elementary school.
Each class has individuals who stand out and a spirit created by the unique blending of diverse people. This year the class was small but filled with interesting personalities, talents and determination.
There will be those who stay close to home and those who will try to take on the world, and each one will be an important part of a community.
Every time I look at a graduating class and hear about their future plans, I like to take a look at my own life and my own future plans. I may be more than twice the age of a high school graduate but it doesn't mean I can't have my own dreams, hopes and aspirations.
In tuxedoes and gowns the students in a graduating class exemplify youth and beauty. They seem to have everything in front of them and endless opportunity. Life isn't without challenges at any age but at every age we always have the whole rest of our life in front of us.
It is always a risk to take on changes and at the end of high school there really is no choice but to evolve. The changes can be wonderful and scary, new freedoms and responsibilities can be overwhelming but they can also be amazing. Graduation is a big deal.
In this country students can choose their own paths, they can speak up in a classroom and attend school regardless of their sex or economic status.
On graduation night the principal spoke about the importance of the entire community in the raising of the children. The responsibilities are huge and with a variety of resources and talents everyone plays a part helping create a future for the young and for us all.
