Reflections on Graduation 2019

Another year come and gone for our 2019 graduates! The week was full of Awards Night, Senior Banquet, senior breakfast, rehearsal, processionals through district school buildings and Commencement services.  Our 101 graduates took advantage of every last moment to spend together and celebrate.

Staff was able to celebrate one last time with the class by providing breakfast before rehearsal.  This is a tradition we started several years ago to be able to have some unstructured time with students to say our last goodbyes before their final rehearsal and day.

 A variety of Baccalaureate services were held in the New Hampton area Sunday morning before graduation in the afternoon.  Students were honored both in services and at morning meals.

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And this year was different, special and more difficult for me.... As I reflected Sunday evening after the celebrations were over for the day, I realized that oftentimes I am required to separate my roles as a Principal Mom. I truly believe that my most important job title is Mom. I am also blessed to be a step-mom to two, one of whom walked across the stage yesterday.

Every year, graduation is an emotional time for me. I know I do not have a poker face and wear my emotions on my sleeve regularly.  I have come to terms with the fact that any thought that is in my head is usually also on my face.  However, I try to remain stoic when it comes to the two that are in our building.  They know we keep the expectations high, and they generally stay under my radar.  It is probably embarrassing to have your step-mom be the principal. And by probably, I mean it is.

However, this week has been very different. Very difficult. And very special.  I knew I had very few moments left with Miss Jenna in the high school.  She was never going to put her lunch in my office fridge again. She was never going to ask me to write a check if she forgot.  She would never again come to me in a panic because she didn't get a form signed and needs my help, quick.  And to be honest, I will miss each of those moments.

These are all my kids. I care for each of them.  But this one- the one who made my voice break when I said her name yesterday- helped make me a mom. She paved the way for her brothers.  She taught me humility when I didn't know what to do or say. She taught me patience when I learned to keep my mouth shut and let her experience being an adolescent girl. She is everything my parents told me I would deserve after living through my teenage years. And for all of that, Jenna Murray, I need to thank you.