School’s Out

Congratulations to all of our Jasper County students, especially the graduates of the Class of 2023. Your life is just beginning. From this moment your success will most likely depend on you.

Most of us remember the first and last day of our school even if it has been 50 years or more. And the feeling we have when we hear that one song…probably “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper comes on radio. “School’s out for Summer, School’s out for- ever”…

When you are 18 years old, you are the smartest person in the room. It takes years to realize maybe that thought was a great exaggeration. Years later you can have a big laugh on yourself when your grandchild sets you straight.

Bet you didn’t know where The Graduation Song originated. It is not of American origin, but by Edward Elgar in 1901 for the 1902 Coronation of Edward II, son of Queen Victoria. It has been played at every Coronation since including the most recent.

It was first used in the United States when the composer, Edward Elgar, was given an honorary degree at Yale University. Next, Princeton used it and so on and so on until all of Jasper County school graduations used it.

Today, when graduates begin to walk in with their robes, mortar boards and tassels we all know what comes next the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

May you have continued success and happiness.