Graduation... two days ago
Monday, May 21, 2012 at 07:38AM Fifty of my friends graduated last Saturday.
The "Mob" is what they were called, at least about eighteen or so of them. They had the reputation of being rowdy and rambunctious. Quite frankly, I was dreading the prospect of teaching them. Well, I was until a parent graciously set me straight while this group was in their sophomore year. So I had two years to warm up to the prospect of attempting to "deal" with this group.
But "dealing with them" was never an issue. They began the year as students in my various English classes, and over the course of the year we have become friends of sorts. As I've said before, I know there are some questions about whether or not a teacher and a student can be friends. I know all about the teacher/student relationship and I know that it can get blurred and then problems can happen.
Even so, the "Mob"--along with their classmates--has become one of my favorite group of students.
I will miss them.
They won't be walking the halls this week. They won't be pranking (well, not at Brook Hill) this week or laughing or playing Spike Ball down in the Student Center. They're done. They've had their name called, their bio read, and they've walked the stage to receive their diplomas.
And I am sad about it, just as I was a couple of years ago when that group of seniors left. Not quite wistful, but a little empty. It feels like we were just hitting our stride, starting to connect, starting to understand each other. Yeah. It feels like we need more time together.
Ah, but they're done. Not done with me, I hope, but certainly done with this stage in their journey, and this is where I reside. At this stage. I am pleased for them. Pleased I got to be a part of where they're going, to have been a part of where they have been.
And so, to the Brook Hill School graduating class of 2012: blessings. May the Lord bless and keep you in your journey. May you live life with all your might. May you live it well and honor God in your living. May you find yourself taking Mr. Fletcher's plea to "live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the king."
So long, friends. Stop in some time and let me know how you are.
Reader Comments (3)
Kent, you are truly one of the treasures at Brook Hill. What you have invested in our children they will take with them. You have certainly helped Kate with her writing, but you also have gained her respect and admiration and have become a role model for that "mob", the seniors of 2012. We appreciate you and thank you.
Thanks for your comments. I've done what I could--maybe all I could this year... which I'm not sure I can honestly say about each year. Kate has left her mark here, as well. I'll miss her energy and enthusiasm.
No no, T-Rav. We're DEFINITELY not done with you... mwahahahahhahahhahahahahahahahaha.