At your graduation I saw you standing
stately and tall in your new uniform.
When you stepped forward to receive
your diploma You took it not for yourself
alone but for an innumerable host.
First of all for your parents--
The father who is now in eternity
Who endowed you, both by inherent traits
and ingrained precepts With qualities
which led you to this hour.
And your mother likewise.
Each teacher who from kindergarten
to graduation Has placed an unalterable
stamp and helped to mold your destiny.
Your friends and loved ones ,
who by faithful encouragement
Have helped to make your dream a reality
The spiritual councillors of many faiths
Have given each some measure of their
own rich heritage.
So carry your lighted lamp high
That others who follow after
you might not stumble or fall
And never reach their goal.
[This poem in free verse was written
with Lynn Katherine in mind.
I should certainly have stressed
the help of her older sister, Daphne Dayle
Who sacrificed to pay her way through
Nursing school at Mercy Hospital in Denver.]
Janice Weeks, Chamberlin, Hankins, Rogers