Friday, May 27, 2005

320 vs. 896

We just returned from my nephew's high school graduation. He was in the top 10% of his class of 896. The ceremony took place in the new Reliant Stadium. A very impressive place. At least 2 other area high school graduation ceremonies took place there today. His graduation was to take place a 8:00 p.m. We left the house at 5:30 to be there on time. There was a "booklet" of instructions on how to get there, where to park, what door to go in, where to sit, what door to go out, and how to leave. A DVD of the ceremony could be purchased. The students did not really receive their diploma's--only a scroll of paper. They are to collect their diploma next week (if they have no outstanding obligations).

This was a far cry from my own HS graduation in the seventies. I graduated in the top 10% of my class of 320. We left our house 30 minutes ahead of time to be there on time. It didn't matter where we parked, what door we went in, where our family sat, or where or how we left. Parents and families took their own pictures. We really did receive our diplomas. (Some were not signed).

However, many things remained the same. The same music was played at both ceremonies. Pomp & Cirumstance (it just took many more repitions to get all 896 of them marched in). There were student speakers at both events. The names of all the graduates were read and the students marched across the stage. The graduates tossed their caps into the air at the end of the ceremony.

And proud parents and family members cheered for their graduate. Pride and love was in abundance.

It's good that some things remain the same.

I'm proud of my nephew. He has a great future ahead of him.

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