Graduation.

I'd love to say that things have changed immensely now that I've officially graduated high school. I really would. But frankly?  It's just more of the same.  The same attention-starved friends, the same boisterous, obnoxious classmates, and the same incredibly ignorant peers are no different now that they've marched down a field, across a stage, and shook a few dignitaries' hands. I, too, am not immune, and will remain unchanged from one night's elevated celebration.  Rather than a sudden change, it has been a gradual progression of our lives that has coalesced into who we are now.  Graduation is merely a poignant series of moments that allows us to attempt to remember where we've been and where we're going in song, speech and applause.

The ceremony carried on well although the inability to hear one girl sing was a bummer.  She has a beautiful voice.  The welcome speech delivered by our Senior Class President left much to be desired, even though it took FOREVER and I wouldn't be surprised if she intentionally drew it out.  (She's...well...suffice to say I would enjoying playing this song to her, the chorus especially.)  Jackie, Vashti, Puja and Patricia did a good job delivering the Valedictory speech, even though that had its weak points.  Still, I'm happy with how everything went.

After we threw our caps in the air, friends and family stormed the field and the inevitable photo-ops ensued.  Nikki came since she had graduated the day before (I know, how unfair!) so I met up with her and then she helped take other various pictures with friends and faculty.

After Graduation itself I had about two hours before I had to go to Project Graduation, a parent organized party/lock-in for seniors.  The idea is instead of going out and drinking, you stay safe, yet have an awesome time with friends from 11 pm to 6 am.

The various events from the night included:  

• A cash machine.  I won $15, which was actually just the minimum guarantee
• Casino games.  I only played Texas Hold 'Em poker and did pretty well.
• A dance floor.  Patricia and I were the first to fearlessly go out there and show off our moves.
• Inflatable games.  I managed to win one, but lose another quite badly.
• Caricature artists.  There were two there, each with different styles, so I got both.  Hey, it was free.
• Food.  I don't even remember what I ate.
• A hypnotist.  He was really awesome, getting this one kid (pictured below) to do some hilariously ridiculous things.
• Raffled prizes.  I won $100 cash!

Patricia's caricature 

Under hypnosis, he gets ready for a beauty pageant. 

 My caricatures from the event

The Project Graduation goodie bag haul

I hope you are doing well, my friends!

Days until exams are over: 27

Days until I start college: 104