This time of year has always stood out as one of my favorite times of the year ever since I was a little guy. Growing up, it meant school was coming to an end and limitless fun in the summer sun was right around the corner. Spring and summer and sunshine just put me in my happy place.
As an adult, it’s another favorite time because I get the pleasure of seeing many of the young kids I’ve followed in sports and activities don the cap and gown and move from childhood to adulthood. Every year I become more and more impressed by the quality of students and young men and women Becker Schools are pumping out.
At the most recent graduation, I got to see Kassidy Severson — who I’ve followed in her track and gymnastics career — give an eloquent, thoughtful and encouraging speech to her fellow classmates as a final send-off to college and the workforce. Another thing that stood out to me that Friday evening is how classy Becker students are in the fact when they take the long stroll up to the stage to nab their diplomas — there’s not a lot of “whoop-whooping” or hot-dogging or “me, me, me”. It’s kids who appreciate the moment for what it is and show respect for their families, classmates and the school they attended.
The night before graduation, I was honored to be a silent spectator (and reporter) in the back of the auditorium when dozens of students of faith and virtue participated in a Baccalaureate service hosted by Becker EV Church at the high school. Parents of these youngsters must have beamed with so much pride as their graduating 17 and 18-year-olds stood in solidarity of their convictions to walk with Christ.
Tyler Lindquist — who I’ve followed as a football player, basketball player and tennis player — gave an awe-inspiring speech to his classmates referring numerous times to the stories of prominent “nobodys” featured in the Bible who have overcome the world’s troubles. Lindquist’s passion, knowledge and boldness to stand for Christ Jesus in a world where Christianity is sometimes mocked, brought me peace, joy and hope.
And just this week, I had the honor of attending part of the robotics team’s banquet where the graduating students involved were celebrated for their achievements throughout their high school careers. After being introduced, the seniors were invited to the podium to express to the audience how much robotics has meant to them.
Again, I was delighted to see such smart, ambitious and grateful “kids” give their heart-felt thanks to everyone involved in the program and share their love of the activity, the coaches and their fellow robotics teammates.
Johnny Crocker — a homeschooler who I’ve followed in tennis — walked up to the podium wearing dark sunglasses, which puzzled everyone including Coach Alex Jurek. Crocker went on to say it has always been his long-time goal to fly a helicopter with the U.S. Army.
“I had to have corrective eye surgery recently so I could fly choppers,” he told the audience. “If you see a tear coming down my cheek, it’s not because I’m emotional, it’s because of the surgery.”
The thing is, all these kids were emotional. It’s a hard thing to say goodbye to something so important that has helped you grow, helped you mature and helped you during some of the hardest years any person on earth has to endure — ones teenage years. And yet, these Becker students have endured and not only have they made it through — they’ve thrived, they’ve prospered and they’ve positioned themselves to be valuable and constructive members of society.
Kudos seniors.
Kudos Becker Schools.
Kudos parents.
