Grads: It's your day (05/31/08)

Amid all the flap and overheated words about Jay County High School's commencement exercises this Sunday, it's important that one thing gets the attention it deserves: The graduates and what they have accomplished.

Sunday is a day to honor what they have done so far and to recognize the awesome opportunities that lie ahead of them. That should take precedence.

It will be a day marked by a couple of new traditions.

One, the plan to have those members of the class of 2008 who are serving in the military lead the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance before donning their caps and gowns to rejoin their classmates, has gotten plenty of attention.

Another, initiated by JCHS principal Jeremy Gulley, is also new this year.

At Sunday's commencement, an old school bell - believed to be from Bryant High School - will be rung in recognition of the graduating class.

Gulley had the bell rung on the first day of school and told freshmen students at orientation that his challenge to them is to hear the bell ring five times. Once at the start of each school year, then a fifth time at commencement.

Traditions, Gulley believes, matter. And adding new, meaningful traditions like the ringing of the old bell can reinforce the importance of staying in school, persevering with education, and joining the community upon graduation.

It may sound like a simple thing, but we suspect the sound of that bell on Sunday will resonate with the class of 2008 for years to come.

To the graduates, congratulations. This is your day. - J.R.

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