Congratulations Class of 2020

In 2007, I was a kindergarten teacher. Now, 13 years later, those kindergarteners have grown up and are high school graduates. Normally, their formal ceremony would have been at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington DC, a venue full of red plush and grandeur. That plan was cancelled, however, due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Pomp and circumstance was going to look a little different this year.  Instead of a processional down the aisles, it was a car parade through the neighborhood. Instead of a quiet ceremony, it was full of music, shouting, cheering and clapping. Instead of limiting tickets, the entire community was invited--and they came: neighbors waving from lawn chairs, former teachers standing by the curb holding signs, and extended family and pets gathered in driveways. As the graduates slowly rode by in cars festively decorated with balloons, streamers, and window paint, a trumpet player played Pomp and Circumstance, the powerful, stately notes lingering in the streets.

Former elementary teachers were invited to participate in the short ceremony and I was honored to address the graduating seniors with these words:

Some of you may be familiar with Robert Fulghum’s essay, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.  In it he writes,

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Speaking from experience as your kindergarten teacher, these are all great lessons (especially the reminder to flush). However, I disagree that “all you need to know” you learned in our kindergarten class. It simply isn’t true.

My favorite lyric in Haycock’s spirit song is the line, “We are lifelong learners, lifelong friends, and we are cougar buddies ‘til the end.” 2020 certainly has been a crash course in lifelong learning. 

This year has taught you how to deal with disappointment and adapt to change, how to look for silver linings and look for ways to help others. 2020 has pushed you out of your comfort zone and you have pushed back with creativity, innovation, and resilience. 2020 has taught you how much you don’t yet know and how much you have to learn. It has reminded you of your strengths and humbled you with your shortcomings.

In kindergarten I asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” But as high school graduates, I ask you, “Who do you want to be when you grow up? How do you want to use your strengths, your knowledge, and your resources to make the world a better place?

Whatever the answer may be, I have great faith that you have a lifetime of learning ahead of you.     

Congratulations Class of 2020!