The Class of Noah

For many families, eighth grade is the last time you’ll gather mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, all the siblings, aunts, uncles, some of the cousins, and even the babies for a graduation.

The Barnhart Class of ‘22 consists of 13 students, three of whom earned the title of Valedictorian. Watching the kids, and hearing them speak, I can see why. We've heard these words many times before, but we're enthralled by the sincerity and exuberance. Some may change the world, while most will come to realize you don't have to change the world to make it a better place.

Graduations are like many of our other celebrations and milestones. The occasion is an open door to a brighter future filled with hopes and dreams. The bogeymen are at bay, the cynical hold their tongues. Excitement, joy, the great unknown.

Some tears in the mix, too, for those who'll miss friends and teachers they might not see again. Ovalde is two days past and a million miles away. Memorial Day just a few days forward. Today is for innocence and thanksgiving.

Our kids are what we give to carry on what we've begun. No need to wipe the slate clean, to cleanse the earth of sin. Today, we embrace the love around us. Every joyful moment is a dance in the eye of a hurricane. For these kids and their families, we dance.