Happy Graduation!

The lovely Meka graduated last week! So proud of you!

Graduation...Then & Now

Tonight I attended the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2011 and watched as several of my current and previous students walked across the stage to accept their diploma covers (yes, they are empty but that is another story). It's my third graduation for this district, and as I sat there watching I spent some time contemplating traditions, and comparing now to my graduation.

Then - Mortar board decorations were unique and very personal.
Now - Glitter was quite common this evening with most of the girls, but a majority of kids didn't decorate.

Then - Mr. Weimer made sure we all were appropriately attired. Shirts and ties for the guys and skirts and stockings for the girls. Nobody dared to violate the plan.
Now - Dress code is very relaxed. Shorts, jeans, flipflops...anything goes.

Then - Graduation was held outside on school grounds.
Now - Indoors and a rented site.

Then - Our procession was in alphabetical order.
Now - Choose your own walking partner.

I don't remember much about my high school graduation. There are some things that stand out, but I can't remember who spoke or what the message was. I'm tempted to dig out the old video and watch it before my reunion this summer.

Unexpected Ending

Last October I was asked to teach an adult GED prep class as part of our school district's Even Start Program. It's been an interesting experience working with families that have varying degrees of English proficiency. Classes became rather collaborative, and it was gratifying to see how the different cultural backgrounds worked together and shared their experiences with each other. It's been a lot of fun for all of us.

I thought we would continue to meet for a couple more weeks and was planning some goodies for the last evening of class. Well, somewhere I missed a memo and discovered tonight, that tonight was our last class. It was....sad and unexpected. I'm feeling a bit lost and let down.

Movie: Meek's Cut-off

Last month there was a pre-release screening of this movie in Salem. I wanted to go, but had to work. I probably wouldn't have seen this movie if the Meek Cut-off hadn't been part of my family history. In 1845 my great, great grandmother was eleven years old and crossing the plains to Oregon with her family. They were part of the wagon train that followed Stephen Meek into what is now eastern Oregon and wandered lost for several weeks before being rescued. It's an interesting story, so I was interested in the movie.

Well....tonight I bought a ticket and watched. It wasn't what I expected, but it did drive home just how stark the journey on the Oregon Trail must have been at times.

DAR State Conference

I just returned from paging this weekend at the 97th Annual Oregon State Society Daughters of the American Revolution State Conference. It was an experience. Where else could I have spent three days dressed in white with gloves and hats?

Turning 1

It's hard to believe this little guy joined the family a year ago. Happy Birthday Logan!

Taste of Ashland

This weekend I made a quick trip south to Ashland for "A Taste of Ashland". It's an annual food and wine festival which is a lot of fun. In the past, I've gone with my friend Erin. This year, my mother and sister went with me. We had a great time. It was good to get out of town, enjoy some (finally!) sunny weather, and just hang out together.