When the time came for the ceremonies, you could hear a pin drop. All eyes and ears were front and centered taking in the words of the speakers. They spoke of how we were the pioneers of tomorrow, that our class was the first in peacetime after the Vietnam conflict and that those before us had paved a way to new freedoms like the right to vote at age 18 (8 months away for me). We all took a moment to realize that college was no longer something to plan, but something to attend once the summer was behind us.
We were seated boy-girl-boy-girl so that the school colors would be displayed in alternating red and white -- the boys in red and the girls in white. When it was time to pick up our diplomas, alternating gowns would pass across the stage. I remember shaking the hand of the presenter (I think it might have been the vice-principal) as I walked up to pick up my diploma.
It was a proud moment for me, but I think it was a prouder moment for my parents.
A fellow boy scout from the class a half a year behind took my picture as I was stepping off the stage. After the final student received their diploma we did the ceremonial tassel flip and graduation came to a close. I still have the carnation, the tassel and of course the photo.
