It was a normal graduation like in the states. A speaker spoke, a gift was presented to the school, the class president spoke, tribute to parents, and the giving of diplomas. A couple special musics were thrown in too.
This is it. Senior graduation is over and so is this wonderful year on Majuro Atoll.
It was a normal graduation like in the states. A speaker spoke, a gift was presented to the school, the class president spoke, tribute to parents, and the giving of diplomas. A couple special musics were thrown in too.
After the ceremonies were over the receiving line was about an hour long. I gave each senoir a lai made out of 14 sticks of gum. It was the least I could do. I gave each senior a hug too. I'll miss those guys who spent half of their school day with me. The seniors got so many lais that their heads were buried in them.
After the receivein line and pictures, I had Milania sign my yearbook (I had all but 4 seniors already). She signed it then gave me a handicraft lai and a candy lai. She is a very sweet girl, a little shy too. When I'm looking for a girlfriend I hope to find a girl like Milania. She is beautiful on both the inside and out.
Then came the senior party. The families and teachers and seniors and juniors went to the Outrigger Motel for a special dinner. It was a typical dinner; salad, rice, chicken, fish, cake, and soda pop. There was a little singing during the eating. Valentino and his friends danced to the Backstreet Boys.
After the food, Lobitaņa and McGee gave short speeches where tears were shed. Then Lobitaņa sang a song he wrote. Next Ken Kedi spoke for the parents and the party was over, sort of. Lobitaņa, Sherman, Onesimus, and McGee started singing. Milania and I sat at the table we were sharing and sang with them. After a couple songs, the mics and keyboards were put away.
I've wanted to cry all day; so manyu partings with so many precious people. I truly love all my students. I never want to leave them.
Richard Wright Copyright 2001