We attended our first Cedar Key graduation yesterday morning.  I've included a video above of the highlights.  I've attended many graduations, but this one was special for a few reasons.  First of all there were only 13 in the graduation class.  Hey, remember we're a small town.  My children graduated in classes of around 200 as I did and my grandson, who graduates June 6 in the Boston area, has over 300 in his class.  I think with the class being so small it only added to the specialness that's part of this island.

The seniors marched in, taking their seats at the front.  Retiring principal Dan Faircloth gave the welcome and I bet he'll always remember his last year at Cedar Key.  They had a touching slide presentation with pictures of the seniors as babies/toddlers leading up to their graduation photos.  Then the class had a flower presentation where they walked out to the audience and presented an arrangement to their mothers.  Lauren, my next door neighbor, gave the Salutatorian Address.  I was surprised at the amount of awards and scholarships that were given.  I heard that five out of the class will be going on to college and three of the fellows have already enlisted in the military. 

As I sat there I couldn't help but notice the look of pride and happiness not only on the faces of the seniors but also on the faces of friends and family.  Many of those that had come are clammers, fishermen, construction workers on our island.  We're a small fishing village but there's not a doubt that their pride wasn't every bit as strong as any professional or CEO that has a child graduating this year.

Although I only personally know two of the graduates......Lauren and Kayla, who's always our waitress at the Island Room.....I shared their pride, but most of all I felt very good to be included in such a special event.  I'm sure Lauren and Kayla will never know how much it meant to me to receive an invitation from them.  Cedar Key has been my adopted home town for the past 15 months and the way I've been welcomed into the community has only added to the many memories this island has given me.  This is indeed a very special place and I'm very fortunate to be living here to be a part of it.

After the diplomas were passed out the seniors walked to the back of the gym for the traditional cap toss.  I sought out Lauren and Kayla to give them their gift and wish them well.  And here's to the Cedar Key class of 2006......may your future be the best it can be.

See you tomorrow.......

• I apologize for the choppy video....that was my doing.  I didn't have any control over the darkness in the gym.  Have no idea why they didn't have the lights on in the beginning.  There might be some symbolism there that I missed or....it was to cut down on the heat, as the gym wasn't air conditioned. I was told that's why the ceremony is held at 9 a.m.