I have a strong opinion that school board members have two main purposes in their role as trustees: advocate and celebrate.  If you get the advocacy part correct, then the number of celebrations or those that are being celebrated goes up.  And who doesn’t love a good student-centered celebration?  

 

This graduation season has been filled with more than the usual celebratory moments for me.  I’ve been attending graduations as a trustee since June of 2011.  In that time, I’ve heard some amazing stories of sacrifice, struggle, heartache, and determination.  As a trustee for a county office of education, the stories of triumph over struggles usually take on an enhanced level of awe-inspiring.

 

Here are just a few of the highlights that have left me amazed and in awe of the grit and determination of students.  One of our high school graduations had a seat that was decorated simply with a cap and gown.  This was not in memorial of a student, mind you.  This is about celebrations and triumphs.  The student had graduated earlier in the year.  The reason the chair was empty is because they were away at Basic Training for the Army and chose to join the graduation via Zoom.  The celebration that took place on the base where he was when his name was called out was a joy to witness.  His fellow soldiers made it clear that they too were excited for his moment of triumph.  

 

In one of our “Come Back” charter school graduation ceremonies there was a “mother and daughter” set of graduates along with 3 sets of siblings.  And of course, there were plenty of graduates that were the younger sibling of previous graduates.  Their stories were especially worth celebrating, as they have all become examples of how others in their family can also overcome the same obstacles in giving themselves a better opportunity to chase their dreams.

 

And then there was my own family’s moment of celebration.  The final graduation of the week was that of my grandson, Degan.  It was special for a couple of reasons.  

  1. He’s part of my family.  Duh!  Of course I’m going to brag and be proud of my grandson.  It’s in the job description of grandparent on page two.  Page one, for those of you who haven’t yet received your handbook, explains that yes, you can spend as much on them as you’d like, and no one, including their parents, should expect anything different.  
  2. The other reason I’m proud of Degan is that his senior year was not very kind to him.  I’ve been his grandfather since he was in the 5th grade.  His other grandfather, Dennis, has been his grandfather since birth. And in many instances Dennis served beyond being a grandfather. As my grandfather did for me, and as so many of us grandfathers do, he also served as a mentor, teacher, and guide to Degan.  Dennis passed away earlier this year due to diabetes and kidney failure.  It was tough, for sure.  But what stood out for me in making the moment special was the release of emotions as he hugged his mother and then my son with tears of joy and sadness.

This was a graduation season I won’t soon forget.  The reminders were everywhere that when the work of a school board member is done well, the celebration of triumph is all the sweeter.