I took this picture on June 12, 2013 in the downstairs computer lab of the school where I work.  It was probably my last day  of contractual work for the 2012-2013 school year.  I remember doing a pass into all the rooms that day to make sure there was nothing I missed or need not miss.  When I walked into the lower level computer lab, I found this declaration on the white board.  I have no idea who wrote this.  This evening as I type this post,  I know what the youngster, I presume it was a youngster, meant and felt as he or she presented each letter that would turn into a word and another word and another…until the message’s end punctuation was placed.

Last night I attended the high school graduation ceremony at this very school.  The 2015 Class of Medora High School walked into a gymnasium full of family and well-wishers at 7:30 PM.   Approximately 50 minutes later, this class walked out as graduates of the school.  It was a marvelous ceremony.

For the past many years, no more than 15, I have been in charge of starting a video presentation for the good folks attending graduation to enjoy.  Translation:  I push a button on a computer and hope and pray it works with the connected projector to present the memorable images that are suddenly larger than life on a the North wall of the the gym above the pushed-in bleachers that when pulled can seat 600.   The bulb in the projector has never failed.  I can walk away with a perfect record at graduation time.

I am walking away.  No, I will be driving away.  In all likelihood last night’s graduation will be the last for me as an employee of Medora Community Schools.  I was offered a position at another school and I accepted.  The school I anticipate working for next year is in my backyard compared to the 54 miles I drive one way to Medora no less than 207 days a year.  I will be driving 92 miles less each day.

I have two more weeks to work at Medora.  I have so many loose ends to tie up and so much info I need to pass on to my superiors there.  I know it will go too fast.

I am often asked how I drive that far to work and back 207 days a year.  I, the askee,  tell the asker the kids are worth it.  That is for certain.  And I will miss these youngsters I have been working with.  You see, the Medora school is a k-12 building.  All grades.  All together.  It is a small school that has had big results.

Last night, before graduation, I had the pleasure of singing two songs during a baccalaureate service.  I wrote both of the songs and I play the guitar as I sing.  One song was called “You’re Gonna Find Your Way”.  The other was one I have been singing going on six years.  That song goes as follows:

SENIOR SONG

The last bell has sounded

Call it a day

Time to clean out that locker

As you wonder how time fades away

 

First it was coloring books

Then came the ABCs

Learning how to write in cursive

And where the capital letters need to be

 

Showing off that paper

That’s hanging on the refrigerator door

Wondering what tomorrow will bring

Today it brought the door

 

So walk out with your head up

Walk with purpose and pride

As photographs will capture

This special moment in time

 

Don’t forget where you came from

Don’t forget this day

It’ll serve as a reminder

Of all you’ve accomplished along the way

And how time…how time….fades away

 

As much as I am looking forward to my next adventure, I will wind out my last two weeks at Medora and before I leave I am going to the computer lab (which is next to the door I enter and exit everyday).  I am going to write a special message on the white board.  One I have seen before.

Speaking the rights.

Danny Johnson