Of High School Graduation And Memorial Day

Our local high school seniors have taken their final steps in earning their diplomas and are now looking to the next stage of their lives.

Graduating from high school is certainly a milestone for any young person and for those in the Class of 2017 this is no exception. In looking at pictures on Facebook, clearly this year’s graduation ceremonies meant a great deal to all those who participated and to each one’s family members.

While it has been some time since I walked across the stage and received my high school diploma I still recall all the emotions from that event. From excitement to nervousness to knowing that a chapter of my life was coming to an end, it was a day of mixed emotions for sure. I suppose it’s that way for most everyone.

In looking back, I’m not really sure I was ready to graduate. It’s not that I hadn’t learned a thing or two but taking a true step into adulthood was rather scary to be honest. Up until that point I really had it made and believe me I knew it.

It was also tough because I knew many of the friends I had spent years going to school with would be going different paths. None went to the same college as I did and while I have been able to keep track of some through the years there are some class members I have literally not seen since the day of our high school graduation.

I was a member of the Class of 1989 at Piedmont Academy. Ironically, the Class of 2017 had graduates who are children of some of my classmates. Suddenly I felt even older than I did a week or so ago.

Of course, the end of high school was not the end of life, rather it was the start of the next chapter. I enjoyed my college days and being able to meet new people and live in different cities. I gained great experience while a college intern during summer and Christmas vacations at the newspaper in nearby Jackson.

All of that led to a somewhat successful career I suppose for more than two decades in the newspaper business before I changed paths last fall. Being able to continue to contribute articles to The Monticello News has allowed me to keep my feet wet so to speak in the newspaper business which I actually trace all the way back to my senior year of high school.

I wish all of our local high school graduates well in their next endeavors. It’s going to be a fascinating journey as well as a scary one at times. Keep the memories of your high school days close to your heart. If you don’t already, you’ll appreciate them more when you get to be old like me.

• • •

Monday is Memorial Day and while a holiday for most, hopefully everyone will remember what the real purpose of this day is.

Most of us have family members who served in the armed forces and some even have family members or close friends who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our way of life. While it is nice to enjoy the day off from work (for those who have it) let’s take at least a moment to remember the sacrifice of everyone who showed bravery that goes beyond anything I can imagine.

And let’s take a moment to remember the family members of our service personnel who were left behind as well. No one has to remind them of what Memorial Day means.

Monticello native Chris Bridges is a long-time newspaper columnist. He welcomes feedback from readers of The Monticello News at pchrisbridges@gmail.com.