First, as we were preparing to enter the venue, there was a teenage girl outside in short shorts and a tank top, and her family gathered around her. We just happened to be there in time to hear her mother declare, "Daughter of mine, are you telling me you are NOT GRADUATING?"
Apparently, this girl allowed her parents to believe she was graduating RIGHT UP TO their arrival at the venue.
Secondly, and more seriously, it was one of those incredibly sad moments because one of the young men who SHOULD have graduated had been swimming in a nearby river three days prior to graduation, and was washed away in one of our characteristic "flash floods". His body had not been recovered by the time Graduation Morning arrived, so there was a solemn "moment of silence" at an appropriate time during the commencement. SO sad.
Finally, an interesting comment by the Class President during her speech.... "We are the first generation to receive a trophy just for showing up". She then expounded upon the need to "do something", rather than just expect things handed to you. EXCELLENT speech!
Just some thoughts.
Apparently, this girl allowed her parents to believe she was graduating RIGHT UP TO their arrival at the venue.
Secondly, and more seriously, it was one of those incredibly sad moments because one of the young men who SHOULD have graduated had been swimming in a nearby river three days prior to graduation, and was washed away in one of our characteristic "flash floods". His body had not been recovered by the time Graduation Morning arrived, so there was a solemn "moment of silence" at an appropriate time during the commencement. SO sad.
Finally, an interesting comment by the Class President during her speech.... "We are the first generation to receive a trophy just for showing up". She then expounded upon the need to "do something", rather than just expect things handed to you. EXCELLENT speech!
Just some thoughts.
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