To quote the inimitable Dr. Seuss' in "Oh, the Places You'll Go"
"Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!"
Yesterday's was the first actual high school graduation ceremony I have attended in 19 years of living in the United States. We were much more stoic in our celebratory customs for completion of high school in the UK. There's really no better way to experience the pomp and ceremony and customary high jinks of a high school graduation day than as a parent. Proud to have been at the helm of the crew (it takes a village - or in our case, if often felt like an entire community) who navigated the first of my three boys successfully through 13 years of grade school, here in Northern California, I'm folding up the cap and gown for the next one in line as he begins his high school years this fall. After eighth grade promotion on Friday at Petaluma Junior High, Senior Graduation the following morning down the hill at Petaluma High, numerous parties and putting the soon-to-be high school freshman on the bus for Washington D.C. it's been one whirlwind of a weekend. And so, to the Class of 2009, wherever you may be, I'll leave you with the words of Dr. Seuss: "Congratulations!Today is your day.You’re off to Great Places!You’re off and away!You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes,You can steer yourself any direction you choose.You’re on your own. And you know what you know.And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go."
"Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!"
Yesterday's was the first actual high school graduation ceremony I have attended in 19 years of living in the United States. We were much more stoic in our celebratory customs for completion of high school in the UK. There's really no better way to experience the pomp and ceremony and customary high jinks of a high school graduation day than as a parent. Proud to have been at the helm of the crew (it takes a village - or in our case, if often felt like an entire community) who navigated the first of my three boys successfully through 13 years of grade school, here in Northern California, I'm folding up the cap and gown for the next one in line as he begins his high school years this fall. After eighth grade promotion on Friday at Petaluma Junior High, Senior Graduation the following morning down the hill at Petaluma High, numerous parties and putting the soon-to-be high school freshman on the bus for Washington D.C. it's been one whirlwind of a weekend. And so, to the Class of 2009, wherever you may be, I'll leave you with the words of Dr. Seuss: "Congratulations!Today is your day.You’re off to Great Places!You’re off and away!You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes,You can steer yourself any direction you choose.You’re on your own. And you know what you know.And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go."
Congratulations to Rocco and his very proud parents. Having only attended High School graduations for Marin Catholic, I must say there are some very noticeable differences? Shall we say no beach balls, or tortillas in sight. Can't wait to see Novato High next week, Keep your fingers(and toes) crossed.
Posted by: Lesley | Sunday, June 07, 2025 at 04:14 PM
Congratulations to Rocco and Erin and all the other wonderful graduates of the class of 2009. How on earth did that go so fast? They will make their mark as they venture forth into this sometimes crazy world of ours. Thanks for the snapshot of their big day!
Posted by: Suzanne | Sunday, June 07, 2025 at 04:15 PM
Ah, looked great. Makes me feel very old. I'm sure it was only a few years ago when I started university.....!!
Posted by: lindsey | Monday, June 08, 2025 at 09:11 AM