” And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives, where we gonna be when we turn 25. I keep thinking times will never change, keep on thinking things will always be the same. But when we leave this year we won’t be coming back, no more hanging out cause we’re on a different track. As we go on, we remember, all the times we had together. And as our lives change, from what ever, we will still be, friends forever … Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now? Can we survive it out there? Can we make it somehow? I guess I thought that this would never end, and now it’s like we’re women and men. Will the past be a shadow that will follow us ’round? Will these memories fade when I leave this town? I keep, I keep thinking that it’s not goodbye. Keep on thinking it’s a time to fly.” – Macy Gray.
Graduation day reminds me of sappy songs, tears, hugs, and hopes for the future. I am so happy to have passed a semester playing, exploring and learning with all our students and staff. I am especially proud of my seniors, Chase, Matti, Stephen and Tracy. They all have respective plans for next year, scurrying off to various universities across the map. I know that they will use what they have learned here at New River Academy, while adjusting to “regular” academic life. I anticipate hearing from them during their first weeks at COLLEGE! (hint, hint, guys! )
As for the rest of these youngsters, well, I hope that we’re all back here together again come August. I am excited for this upcoming weekend, where all of us, and all of you, will play and reminisce together. Personally, I expect teary speeches and farewells. But perhaps that’s just me, perhaps the students have a tougher sort of skin. They are, after all, serious athletes…. we’ll see.
It is Friday morning and students are turning in their final projects. Taylor just handed me a beautiful, artistic, poster board rendition of the characters (or rather, inanimate objects), from the novel Skinny Legs and All. I can hear Lorenzo’s Spanish class working on their final dialogues, and the seniors practicing their graduation speeches. Finality is in the air. But, finality is always coupled with new beginnings, with endless possibilities.
We are all so grateful to all of you, who have helped make this possible. See you all tomorrow!
Callie
