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Graduation Is A Time Of Celebration Where Personal Milestones Are Recognized

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Tuesday June 11, 2013

By Cookie Steponaitis

A scene will be repeated thousands of times across the county and nation during the next two weeks. The young woman or man stands and places their mortarboard on their head, adjusts their tassel and with a grin walks toward their future at their high school graduation. As they march into the gymnasiums and field houses parents sit with grandparents and reflect as images of first bikes, loose teeth, first words, first overnights, first day of school and first loves flash before them. The celebration

of graduation festivities combines with a sense of wonder, power and a realization that life goes by at an astonishing rate, leaving in its wake memories and moments that are the mileposts of our existence.

    Gathered in those homes and gymnasiums this week is the collection of people who form the backbone of our existence. Generations gather to witness another turning point for the family.  Shared recollections frame the conversation, “Do you remember that time? It seems like just yesterday,” and
the ever present thought of, “Where did eighteen years go?”  Families connected by their traditions, faith and friendship will eat, smile, cry and share something special, the handing off of a future to a new generation coming of age and in the process there are moments to savor and mark with wonder and awe.

    VUHS senior Karizma Joyal looks to her future with a mixture of excitement and joy. “It is exciting to be
graduating but emotional to be a senior. In the fall I will be attending college for medical transcription and I can’t wait.” And, for other families the celebration marks the end of a family tradition spanning generations.  The Grant family watched generation three, son Jordan walk across the stage with mixed emotions. “There are so many emotions,” shared mom Jill Grant. “But I guess the largest one is simply pride.”

    Congratulations to all of the Class of 2013 and whether your travels take you far from your Vermont roots or you become the anchor families of the next generation; take with you in your heart the love, support and small town feel of the communities that have given you the blessing of both roots and wings.  May you use them both well!

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