High School Graduation

At this time of year as graduations are taking place, I can't help remembering my High School Graduation. I was only sixteen, as I started school at the age of five and skipped the eight grade. I took the test to go to high school after seventh grade and all of my scores were in the eleventh and twelfth grades. My parents assumed I was ready to go to high school. I may have been ready mentally, but physically I was not ready, but I would never admit it at that time. I was sad to leave my friends because we were all going in different directions. Some we're going to work, others were getting married, and a few we're going to college. 

I had enjoyed high school very much and my life was built around school, reading,  friends, and learning. Four of us girls were good friends. We had done everything together. We even bought matching outfits for our Junior class trip with our initials on them. Dot and Lorene were getting married right away. Flo was going to Ohio to work as a secretary. I was going to college. Dot met a musician who lived in Northern Kentucky so she would move there. Lorene was marrying our class mate, Fred. They would live in the county.

I had seen a beautiful white dress in Seventeen Magazine and I wanted it for graduation so my parents got it for me. We ordered it by mail. My sister, Lorena got the same dress in blue for the event. We felt so fashionable to think that we were wearing dresses pictured in Seventeen. I bought rhinestone earrings and a necklace for the occasion. I got white pumps to dress up my outfit.

My parents planned a big dinner the day of the Baccalaureate. All of my brothers and sisters from Ohio were in attendance with their children. They had come for the Baccalaureate  on Sunday night. We lived fifteen miles out in the country on a gravel road which was narrow in many places. As Ruby and Ves were going to the Baccalaureate they had a minor accident but no one was injured. They could not all come back the next week on Friday for the graduation. We celebrated with them before graduation. It was a delight to have their support. 

I was very sad and cried almost uncontrollably as my name was called and I received my diploma. It meant my current life style was over and a new one must begin.

The saddest part was that Keith and I had broken up a month earlier and he was dating another girl. He came through the reception line and told me he missed me. My heart rejoiced momentarily but then I felt the let down. Life was definitely changing. On Monday I would start my college career. I was excited about that but uneasy about the unknown.