This time of year is always makes me feel confused. I am torn between happiness for those that have successfully reached a long sought goal and sadness because their daily gifts will be sorely missed. That may be the greatest curse of education: together with parents and community, we work at pushing them to adulthood and independence, only to watch them flutter off as we experience a moment of wistful sorrow. Just when our charges are approaching the ability to be of service and to achieve excellence, we turn them over to others to polish and refine their gifts.
For those we know that have been so close to us in our school arts programs, this week I pay tribute. Not to all, because that would not be possible. But to a few of those whose experiences, contributions and personalities have yielded some lasting memories that we will cherish for a few weeks or months, until the next crew returns in August. Then we will let the healing begin, and allow resurgent joy and expectations creep in.
Consider Bert (part of her name, the most commonly used part). I do not just salute her class rank (4th), but also her absolute willingness to accept responsibility with class and success. I cannot remember another this age, whose demeanor and quiet confidence always inspired a positive outcome. I remember working with her during the St. Marys Tour of Lights. I dropped her off at a local business, not knowing if the owners were present, or how they wanted her to help. But I trusted her to communicate and do what was needed. Four hours later, when I picked her up, she happily shared her experience with the visitors and owners, as if they had been friends forever. I didn’t let her see my tears, but I certainly couldn’t talk since I was so overwhelmed by her preternatural gifts.
And about Becks, curly, blonde and possessed of energy beyond measure? Someone once said she was the most “present” performer they had ever seen. And she was like that off stage too, offering ideas, solving problems, and making life joyful. I also observed her in a poignant moment that I will not forget. One of her cast mates in “Footloose” was smitten with her. I am not sure she ever knew that. But I knew it. Younger than her, he carried so much emotional baggage, that most never know about. But I knew about it. I watched as he worshiped Becks; and I watched as she was always kind and sensitive to him – not because she had to be, but because that is her nature.
There were others this year, like the brilliant Britt and hugely talented Pete. They became a team and joshed and pushed each other through “Footloose.” Britt’s talent is unquestioned; her dedication is the same. Her love of performance is always balanced by a desire to be excellent. In the past two years, we have seen her play wives, moms, good girls and bad. She has acted, sung, directed, managed and built. Blessed by supportive parents, Britt has the star quality to make it.
On the other hand, many thought Pete would never make it to the diploma ceremony. In middle school, he was so talkative, so constantly in motion that his name was always on teachers’ lips (not positively, most of the time). It was in theatre he found some discipline, although he never quite mastered the art of time management. With many creative souls, that is always a problem because they so “in the moment” and unconcerned with planning or organizing. But for me, it was always the massive embrace and genuine smile that stopped me cold for Pete. That and his stunning ability create characters and appear so natural in other’s skins and using their words.
Finally, I must offer a note of tribute to Natalie. She is not an actress, but a remarkably gifted artist. Some of you discovered her last fall during her one-woman show at our local library. If you missed that, however, you can find some of her work at the French Quarter in St. Marys. She is off to Atlanta to study art and sculpture, perhaps one of our most talented ever. I have told you before how I feel about owning art; hers is some you will want to secure, so that when its value soars, you will have already invested.
These are just a few of our treasures we offer the world with this graduating class. There are many more; they all hold so much promise. Even though educators and parents will accept self-congratulations on their behalf, we know this is true: these young practitioners of the arts are well prepared by the experiences gained here and because of the choices and decisions they made for themselves.
5.24.06
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