It’s the middle of May, school is nearly over and graduation for high school seniors is this Saturday.
Some people still refer to graduation ceremonies as “commencement.” And, high school graduation is both.
It is the end of education for some, but definitely the beginning of adult life and further education, even for those who don’t pursue a formal degree from college.
Wise is the person who is a continual student/learner.
Life teaches us many things, not the least of which is that it is not easy but we can learn from every experience, even the most unpleasant.
Sometimes the lesson is as simple (but not easy) as learning to face difficult and trying circumstances (and people) with grace and not allowing ourselves to become bitter and cynical.
Graduates of Pea Ridge High School, whether you realize it now or not, you’ve been blessed. Many of the teachers, administrators, city officials and business leaders in our town truly care about you and have invested much time, money and interest in you. You’ve attended a school where everybody knows your name.
You drive through a town where you’re recognized by your vehicle before you get close enough to see a face, and people wave or honk their greetings.
You’ve even been tattled on by nosey neighbors and although you may have found that irritating, it was a blessing because it may have kept you out of bigger trouble.
The community and the school are growing. You’ve been a part of a transitional group of young people who’ve attended school here over the past dozen years and seen Pea Ridge move to a second campus and now four buildings.
You were the last class to attend or play games in the infamous Pea Bowl.
Over the past four years of high school, there have been those who’ve said: “This is the biggest event of your life” about anything from a prom, a pageant, a special sporting event, maybe even Colors Day or Homecoming. Well, it may have been up to that point, but recognize that those events will pale in comparison in the years to come as you complete your college degree, accept your first job, get married, have a baby. There are many more important life events to come your way and the lessons you’ve learned here formed the foundation for how you’ll face the events in the future.
Some of you will stay close by, maybe making Pea Ridge your home. Some of you will move far away, even to large metropolitan areas or overseas. But, humble, friendly Pea Ridge will always hold a special place in your heart. Never forget to be friendly, to smile to others, to look people in the face and truly see them.
Don’t forget to respect others, no matter how different from you they may be.
When I was young, my grandmother used to say: “Always do you best, look your best and think your best, then with the love of God, you’ll be the best.” It’s true, but it’s not a competition with others, but with yourself. Be the best person you were created to be.
Be grateful and patient with your parents. This is a milestone for them. They’re watching their “baby” grow into a man or woman and letting go of the person into whom they’ve poured the best part of themselves for 18 years. Some parents handle that with more grace than others. I know that you don’t recognize the struggle (I didn’t when I was graduating), but it’s hard to realign your attitudes and actions and let go of the person you’ve parented for so long. You still don’t know everything, although you probably think you’re far more knowledgeable than your old fogey parents. Accept their advise graciously. And thank them for all they’ve done for you these many years.
Happy Graduation, Pea Ridge High School Class of 2013.
Opinion, Pages 4 on 05/15/2013