Arnie and I knew that this graduation ceremony would be very important. The night before we discussed what he would say for his keynote address to the students, staff and community of Angus. I told him about the poem by Robert Frost called, The Road not Taken. This poem speaks of paths in life and choices. Arnie looked off into the forest of trees behind my home and closed his eyes. I knew an idea was about to materialize. He spoke about darkness and pathways, lending hands and destinations. We considered the students and the caring adults in their lives. We talked at length about our journey so far and decided that this would mark the end of a chapter in our lives and more importantly the beginning of a new one. We were ready!

Arnie and I arrived at Angus Morrison with 30 minutes to spare. The parking lot was full of cars, the students and teachers were buzzing. We walked along a red carpet to enter the building. The beautiful artwork and photos of students lined the walls. Everyone was so excited and proud.

The time came for us to enter the gym. John Alexander (grade 8 teacher) and Kerrie Fitzhenry (Grade 8 teacher) directed us to join the line with the Principal (Catherine Hannon) and Vice Principal (Bill Floyd). I could tell Arnie was suddenly nervous because he became very quiet. We marched in the gymnasium and followed the line of people ahead of us. Arnie and I were both surprised that our seats were not on the floor but on the stage!

The graduates entered the room one by one. I watched the adults in the room snapping pictures and wiping away the tears as each graduate passed by them. The violinists played while each child approached all of us on the stage. Each face lifted to meet our eyes. Each child smiled and some had tears running down their cheeks. I looked over at Arnie and he was crying too.

Arnie approached the podium. I stood beside him. The audience was quiet. He took a deep breath and said, “I am so proud of you’s kids and your parents. I wonder what am I doing up here on this stage when you’s are the true heroes. You know, there is a path that each one of us takes through the bush. We walk through branches and darkness. We look ahead of us at those who have been there before and we reach out our hands. For me it was Janet. For you it is your teachers and mum’s and dad’s. We each help each other through the darkness. And when we come out at the other side we can look back and see that the path was have walked through is now wider because we have been there before. We reach out our hands to help the other students who follow us. Kids, you are helping me to walk through my darkness and find the light of education. Someday I might graduate from grade 8. But it will only be because you have been there before me. I love all of ya’s.”

Tears fell from his eyes. I placed my hand on his shoulder to give him strength. The entire audience without hesitation jumped to their feet in triumphant applause. John and Kerrie wiped away the tears and shook his hand. I was overwhelmed by the love pouring out to us from the exuberant audience. The graduates on their feet. The parent clapping their hands together. It was the perfect ending to our chapter.

Janet Lee