Graduation: A Reflection

            Chasing that cute boy on the playground, pigtails bouncing around on your shoulders, tiny little light-up shoes untied.  Running from that pretty girl across the wood chips by the swings, your hair whipping back in the wind, long socks slipping down.  I remember third grade like it was yesterday.  And I am sure many of the seniors of the class of 2011 do too.  We have fought with each other, cut in front of each other in the lunch line, laughed with and at each other, and shared 13 unforgettable years of moments good and bad.  We are the wolves with Double the One, Double the Fun; The class of 2011.  Sadly, we graduate May 20^th at the Summit Arena; we readily begin a new chapter of our beautiful lives.

I have been to a few graduations, but not yet my own.  There are feelings of sadness, joy, and bitter-sweetness.  I saw each of my older friends walk across the stage, take their diploma, and finally cut ties with their high school experience.  Now, it is mine and my fellow classmates turn to take our steps across the stage that ultimately separates us from the easy and controlled environment of high school and the unpredictable and challenging realm of the “real world.”  Some of us may go to college, some to trade school, some straight to work.  No matter what path each of us chooses to walk down, I have faith we will all succeed.

Aside from my own reflections and thoughts, I had the privilege to talk to many influential people including Mr. Brooks, the High School Principal, about their outlook on the success of our class after high school as well as some of their best memories at Lake Hamilton.  Upon interviewing Mr. Brooks, I asked “How do you view the class of 2011?” to which he responded, “An outstanding class.  They have proven themselves in the classroom, leadership, and extracurricular activities.” His optimistic response gives me great joy to see that people outside of our class view us as able adults in a demanding and struggling society.  I also asked Dylan Chapman what his favorite club was and why and he stated “FFA, because it is the only club I am in and I enjoy welding in the shop.” Upon asking Victoria Anzaldua who her best friend(s) was/were throughout grade school and high school, she said “Emily Elliot, Emily Shock, Maggie Rubben, Austin Larey, and you, Taylor.  Emily Elliot is the sister of my soul, Emily Shock, my muse,” with a smirk on her face and continued, “Maggie is unique, you are my kindergarten buddy, and Austin is the butter to my bread crumb, my best friend.”  Her descriptions portray the strength of many of the friendships made at Lake Hamilton and within our senior class.  I also asked her who her favorite teacher was and she stated that it was Mrs. Nolan, her kindergarten teacher who just so happened to be mine.  She told me that she felt Mrs. Nolan was sweet and her teachings were the foundation of her youth and education.  I agree 100% with Victoria’s statement and thank Mrs. Nolan and every other teacher for their dedication to excellence. 

The class of 2011 has weathered many storms.  We have seen beloved teachers retire and pass away, as well as gifted students.  These people who have made an impact on our lives will never be forgotten and will always have a secure place in our hearts.  Furthermore, we have experienced fire drills in the middle of tests, survived a bomb threat, and have even been snowed in at school.  These situations have either made us stronger and more united, laugh, cry, or “have each other’s backs.”  When we were snowed in at school, many students helped others by giving them rides home or taking them to  their house until it was safe for their parents to come and get them.  During the bomb threat my third grade year, we were evacuated, scared, and huddled together wondering what would happen next.  And we have always loved fire drills in the middle of tests mainly because our teachers would become so bent out of shape that it was comical.  No matter what has happened, we have been there for each other to share it all and will never forget the moments that have brought us together.   So let’s put on those maroon gowns, grab our caps, smooth our tassels, and remember one last time the fun, stress, and education the last 13 years has presented us, class of 2011.

Taylor Duke