Best of luck, 2023 graduates

Each school year comes to a close with graduation.

The following week, juniors are finally considered seniors, even though technically they will need to wait until school starts at the end of August to make it official.

For parents, the emotions they have depends on which child is graduating.

For some, their first child is receiving the diploma, while for others it may be their last child. Of course, for others it may be the second or third child.

I happened to be the fifth of five.

My folks knew that if they needed help I would make sure to get home to help out.

Graduation affects mothers differently than fathers usually, especially if their last daughter goes through graduation ceremonies and the thought that in a few months they may be traveling far off to college the emotions may build up especially once the fall semester begins.

I think back on my own graduation and wonder why the ceremonies started at 8 on a Friday night? 8 p.m., really?

Back in those days, we didn’t know the difference. We were just happy to know that we would receive our diplomas.

I’m not sure who came up with the idea to have the graduation on a Sunday or Saturday afternoon, but they should be applauded.

This was before Title IX by a few years.

In those days, our Friday night football games started at 7:30 p.m. not 7 p.m., and varsity boys games started at 8 p.m..

It didn’t matter where the game was played those were the set times.

I like the changes that have been made concerning the time changes. I think it takes into consideration travel time and school night and weekend games.

I will be busy this year congratulating a bunch of students that I have gotten to know from middle school through high school and I have a good idea about what their plans are.

I really believe that the effects of COVID shutdowns have played a big role in what careers many of these kids will be working toward.

There will be plenty pursuing a four-year degree, but several will be learning on the job in some necessary careers like electrical, plumbing, linemen or even firefighting.

Education will still be a big part of these careers.

But with the price of a college education and, of course, the dreaded student loans making a good living in a couple of years is intriguing. It sounds kind of ridiculous, but a lot of these careers were never mentioned to the members of my class.

Since the draft was still in effect and Vietnam was hot and heavy having a college deferment was the major reason I was sitting in a college classroom.

I probably would have been more productive doing something else. I can’t change what has been and the trials and tribulations probably helped me in the long run.

For those parents whose son or daughter is graduating this weekend make sure that you are supportive of the choices that they are making.

There are so many jobs available out there that need to be filled and those people that decided to sit things out and collect unemployment may not be employable for very long.

There is such a thing as work ethic and a lot of these soon to be graduates have a good idea how to get things accomplished.

This graduating class had to adjustment to school because of COVID protocols and many have adjusted quite well.

When I talked with some of these kids they said that it wasn’t much of a problem for them but they are concerned for the younger kids that needed to be in the classroom to learn the basics and they think those lost days will have a negative effect in years to come.

I think it speaks loudly of their concern for others and that is admirable.

It is my hope that all of the youth that were in school when the pandemic hit will be able to receive a good education and make the adjustments necessary to succeed.

This particular graduating class has, for the most part, made solid strides forward and have a good idea what is needed for a better world going forward.

I wish them all the best of luck in making our world a better place to live.

— Dale Anderson is a Ritzville based sports columnist. To send him a message, email [email protected].