Remembering Our Graduates
It’s May, which means it is time for spring concerts, wrap up of sports, senior week and graduation. It’s a time to focus on the seniors and their send-off into adulthood. They have worked hard and progressed for many years looking forward to the great day they get to walk across the stage, shake their administrator’s hand, and move their tassel. It’s an age-old tradition of pomp and circumstance whose memory is usually cherished for life.
Only, the graduating class of 2020 won’t get to have it quite that way.
I remember well the last semester of my senior year. It was the spring of 1983. The style was big hair, tube tops and leg warmers for the girls and Izod and Polo shirts for the guys. I still listen to same music I did then, which included new releases from Prince, Elton John, Journey, Styx, Def Leopard, Lionel Richie and ZZ Top. It was a last few weeks of fun with people I knew I might possibly never see again.
Since my youngest is a junior this year, I have the honor to know many of this year’s senior class at Tahlequah High. I see their ambition, their motivation, and their passion to succeed in life.
I am saddened by the fact that their last semester of school and the final fun they normally would have had to finish their public education career ended abruptly. No prom. No end of the year band and choir concerts for one last performance. No recognition banquets. No senior trips. No graduation night to celebrate that once in a lifetime accomplishment. Instead, they left for spring break in March and never returned.
For some, I’m sure it didn’t really matter too much, and a few were probably glad it was over. Many, though, feel cheated out of something special.
I think that is why I hurt so much for them. I remember my own and how much it meant to me. For most of us, our senior classmates are like a family. Each time we have the chance to get together, it is like we never left. I have always found the reunion experiences happy ones, and enjoy visiting with those I really didn’t socialize too much with back in school. I want to know about their careers and their families, and I am happy for them and their successes in life.
It’s not just the seniors either. I feel for the teachers and administrators too. I am fortunate to teach a class of high school students outside of the school system, and I know what my students mean to me. Even though we continued to meet online each day, it wasn’t the same as being with them in person and feel their youth and energy. Truth was, I missed them.
I know I am not alone when I say many teachers at all grade levels felt the same way. They had preferred to be with their students, because the students are what I have learned motivate teachers the most. They sure don’t do it for the money, so it must be for the love of the students.
So, class of 2020, here is a big shout out to you. I am sorry it didn’t end like you wanted, but know you have a lot of support. Prom and graduation ceremony in July is the best we can offer.
To my four special seniors: Maddi, Raylee, Gabe and David, best of luck in your careers and life. I know you will succeed and make Tahlequah proud.
Randy Gibson is the CEO of RDG Communications Group, LLC, and the former director of the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Texas State Rifle Association.
