graduation/retirement

At the graduation ceremony, a student I've worked with for 4 years (or more) made an ENTRANCE - late and loud. He was thrown out by one of the teachers who was livid at his behavior. I talked with him, got him out of the building. He snuck back in. I had to remove him again - he'd asked if I were going to "take him out" - yeah, before anyone else does. Since he'd threatened to disrupt graduation when he'd visited last year, the only way he could walk across the stage was if I went with him - so we crossed together, hand in hand. I told the admin. if they bring me up on charges of fraternization, there'll be trouble. I kept joking about them squeezing the last few minutes of work from me.

There was an homage for me during graduation - the MCs held up signs stating how long I'd worked - and all the subjects I'd taught - I was considered a super duper senior - it was a Kodak moment! And, yes, I cried.

The luncheon was great - I had an apple martini - boy it went to my head - woozy after only one drink! There was a three course meal! I got a going away present - they give copies of Dr. Seuss's book, The Places You Go - very appropriate. It's signed and autographed with appropriate comments in the blank pages and throughout the book by the staff from the school - very sweet. I also got a gift card for B&N and not a plaque but an award with my name, the date and the starfish story - brought me to tears.

And they need me to go to work on Monday. I don't quite know what they want me to do for 5 hours (?!), but I'll be there (night high school graduation is in the evening, so I have to be uptown at some point anyway).