‘As we go on, we remember All the times we had together And as our lives change, come whatever We will still be friends forever’ - Vitamin C, Friends Forever It has been 25 years this month since I graduated high school in a mid-size town in the Texas Panhandle. (Depending on where you are in your life, this may make me old, or a youngster.)
In a lot of ways it seems much longer than that, and in some ways it has flashed in the blink of an eye.
As a Class of 2000 member, we were deemed the ‘special’ class. In my hometown, we were the first class allowed to wearredandblackgraduation gowns instead of the ladies having to find white dresses to go under white gowns.
We survived the dreaded ‘Y2K’ event, partied hard on New Year’s when a new century rolled around and generally acted like teens did in the 2000s. For my friends and I, that meant games of Phase 10 until 1 a.m., sneakily watching horror movies at my friend Shannon’s house since I wasn’t allowed (sorry Mom), and traveling over to Amarillo an hour away to go to a movie theater or to the mall with my best friend Kristin.
Through my time as a journalist, I’ve covered lots of graduations and senior classes - this will make my 18th.
As we have covered event after event, and award after award, something has become apparent.
The class of 2025 is smart, both in Dublin and in Lingleville.
When I was in high school, I had the ability to take maybe one college class. We have students graduating with their Associates Degrees before walking the stage for high school.
They see the priority in advancing themselves with every opportunity, and the responsibility of saving themselves and their parents $30,000.
They’re so involved in school - FCCLA, FPS, WIT, NHS, FFA and sports galore.
This makes most of them excellent time managers and multi-taskers, a trait which will take them far.
They understand the need for community service. We had more than 2,000 hours this year in Dublin alone donated by the Senior class.
They see the value in helping others and aren’t afraid to step up and do it. They are also scary smart at technology, and not just social media.
Recently, I was having a conversation with a senior that was upset at how she had been treated over something. Looking back, I’m not sure I told her the right thing.
I said, “soon high school will be over and in the adult world, it doesn’t matter.”
Partially, this statement is true. The end of high school marks a door being opened to their adult world, but high school memories will always stay with them (both the good and the bad).
Covering the final band concert, I felt my eyes get misty as a song from Moana was played for the seniors. Suddenly, I was back in Varsity Choir 25 years ago singing our final senior songs with Shannon, crying.
I was excited to graduate high school and start college, but somehow my very young self knew it would never be the same. And I was right.
Travel is impeded by adulting and work on everyone’s end so I might see Kristin once a year. I haven’t seen Shannon in five (though we text alot.)
If I had one piece of advice for the Class of 2025 it is this: hold on and cherish those memories. And remember, you can always come home. Congrats class of 2025!
— Wyndi Veigel-Gaudette is the Content Editor of The Dublin Citizen and can be reached at composing@dublincitizen.com.