Hope for the Future

By Linda Elissalde
Sometimes we sit around and think of all the bad things that happen. Sometimes we sit around and think that things were better in the past. Sometimes we grumble about the youth of today. Well, if we do that, I have a suggestion of something that will make you feel much more hopeful. It certainly worked for me. Attend a high school or college graduation ceremony.

I had the pleasure of singing the Star Spangled Banner with Galveston Community College Chorale at the college’s recent graduation ceremony. Watching those students march in to good old “Pomp and Circumstance”, seeing proud parents and families made me realize just how great the future can be with these fine young, and older, graduates. I left smiling with a happy heart.

But, there was more to come. Our young friend Keira Gray invited us to her High Island High School’s 66th Commencement Exercises. The auditorium was packed with proud family members and friends. In addition, there were presentations of innumerable scholarships and monies to graduates. Many gifts came from Bolivar Peninsula organizations and businesses. WOW! Some of the students had already garnered countless hours of college credit under DUAL courses with Lamar Institute of Technology program.

Fran Griffin and Jane Loose presented Rebekah LeBlanc a $3000 scholarship from Bay Vue Second Going Resale Store. They gave each student in the DUAL program $200, and all other graduates were handed $100. Every recipient graciously thank the presenters. Valedictorian Reese Woodul and Salutatorian Ivan Hernandez thanked family, friends, High Island educators and staff for their help. The 2025 class presented attendees who had encourage them with flowers during a special Rose Ceremony. Family and friends cheered for all these young folk. The event closed with students standing in a line throwing confetti up to the ceiling in a celebration of joy.

Appreciation must go to High Island School District’s Administration and Board of Trustees. While the district is small, it is large with spirit, honor, hard work and enthusiasm. I realized that attending graduations renewed my spirit and definitely gave me HOPE FOR THE FUTURE!

Linda

I was born on February 14, 1941 into a family of writers. Schmuckers took pen in hand for thank you notes, news articles, lessons, plays, poetry, birthdays, eulogies, etc. Aquarius prediction in my diary stated, “Has some writing abilities, but too superficial to be important”. Thanks to all who accept my compositions anyway. I come from a family of writers.

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