It's All Over and Done

So yesterday was the BIG DAY!  

It took longer than expected to get ready.  Hair had to be curled.  Nails had to be fixed.  Robe had to be ironed.  But finally it was time to get in the car and go to the church where the ceremony was to be held.  As we are about to turn into the church parking lot, the group in our car noticed that in the field adjacent to the church there is about 25-30 cows grazing in the church.  I guess that is what happens when you graduate in a church on the outskirts of the bustling Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.  It was quite funny however.  Some one made the joke that the chick-fil-a cows came to see graduation.  So thanks to the chick-fil-a cows for this special appearance.  

After arriving, the processional and recessional was ran through one last time.  Then it was time for photos.  Group photos are always so difficult.  It takes forever to get everyone in the correct spot, but hopefully they turned out nice.  

After photos, the only thing left to do was to wait.   We were told to wait for about an hour in the choir room.  Don't ask me why they wanted us to show up that early, but that's what we were told to do.  In the choir room, people played the instruments in the room, talked with the other graduates, or just sat there quietly and waited (like me).  Finally, we lined up and got ready to march in.  

Why do they play "Pomp and Circumstance" for graduations and such.  It sounds so dreary.  I mean I love the song, but it's just doesn't sound very joyous.  But anyways that's a side note.

Special performances were given by those graduates who chose to perform, and then there was a student address, a short address by a pastor, and then it was time for the receiving of the diplomas and the moving of the tassel.  

Probably the biggest difference about this graduation ceremony was that the student was not given the diploma by the school official.  Instead, the student's parents gave out the diploma.  This created a very special interaction between the student and the parents.  It also made it harder for the parents, I think.  Not only did they have to watch their child receive their diploma they also had to be on stage and hand it out.  While students received their diploma, a short bio was read about the student emphasizing future goals and interests and achievements.  My future goals were all wrong, however, for plans have since changed.  But oh well.  Who's going to know?  After all the graduates had received their diplomas,  all that was left was the throwing of the hats and the recessional parade.    And then it was over, all over.  

And now the event I've been preparing for for 17 years is beginning.  In a way, it's already begun, but if you look at it that way, this is like one of the biggest stepping stones in this wonderful, frustrating, emotional, happy game called LIFE.  Now is the time when I will be tested.  Will I sink or swim?

But back to the day....I actually had several friends there at graduation.  Leah Woodrum, Karis Wadsack, and four members of the Smith family.  Thanks so much for coming guys.  It really means a lot to me!  So anyways that's how it went.  It was very good, but afterwards, I have to say I was physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.  Thanks to everyone for all your prayer, support, and encouragement along the way!

*SENIORS 2008*