This Sunday, May 22, the Muscatine High School Class of 2022 will cross the stage (hopefully outdoors in the new stadium, weather permitting) and receive their diplomas. Just like that, they will conclude their educational experience within the Muscatine Community School District. Some will graduate and head to college, some will graduate and enter the workforce, and some will graduate and proudly serve our country. All, however, will experience one thing, just how quickly time goes by.
As I have mentioned in previous columns, this year marks the 20th year since I graduated high school (shout out to the Oak Park and River Forest High School Class of 2002). From the moment graduation ended, life started moving at such a high rate of speed. I can close my eyes and be transported back to my graduation day. I can remember how hot it was outside wearing a full suit. I can also not forget how hot the water bottles were that we found under our seats. My memories have remained strong even though my age has well, continued to grow? Gotten older? You get my point.
That summer after high school graduation was a blast. Several friends and I road-tripped from the Chicago suburbs to Manchester, Tennessee, to attend the first-ever Bonnaroo music festival. The rest of the time was spent hopping from graduation parties and trying to soak it all in. I remember when August 2002 started and my group of friends started to shrink. Each was preparing to go off to school. From there, I entered St. Ambrose University, graduated in December of 2006, and started working as Tony Tone on B100 radio in Davenport. Fast-forward to the present day, and I’m 38, married with three children, and planning to attend my 20-year high school reunion this summer.
To the class of 2022, I wish you all the best. My advice to you is to enjoy all these moments, be as present as possible, and never take for granted just how precious the gift of time truly is. I say that and realize that I could sometimes take my advice and try to “hit the brakes” as time keeps on passing me by. I’m so proud of the class of 2022, and I know they will all go on to do great things and become our future leaders.
I’m also very excited to attend graduation at Muscatine High School for the second year. Those reading this know that the ceremony will be live-streamed via the Discover Muscatine Facebook page and website and broadcast live on PCTV channel 3 via Muscatine Power & Water cable.
Let’s make this last week of high school a great one, and here’s to a wonderful graduation!
Signed, an old (ish) man.
