They marched the seniors from the school, about 10 blocks or so, to the Seaport Museum on the Delaware. A sea of blue and cream, caps and gowns held tight by brown and beige and sweet dark chocolate hands, tassels swinging with sass and jazz, the big band beat of graduation day. I spotted Bernard amongst the 71 other students, tall and lanky, a foot above most and thanked God. He'd made it!
He eyes wandered through the crowd searching for me, I hoped, though I never know for sure with my Bernard. Excitement lit up his warm, brown eyes and he smiled wide and proud. I exhaled, no waiting, then joined the throe of ecstatic relatives and friends as we rushed to find the seat which would provide us with the best chance of spotting our child on stage.
A string of teachers and administrators began short, encouraging speeches right after the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, follow by the all important recognition of outstanding students. I'd been here before, waiting patiently as the names of academic superstars were announced and their parents screamed and cheered wildly. Each teacher had chosen a student who had exhibited excellence in their classroom throughout the school year. Not necessarily the best grades, but the best effort - THEY CALLED MY KID! - Excellence in English. What a day!
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