It's High School Graduation Season and, To Be Honest, I Leaked a Little. The Emotions Got to Me. It's Another @_silvergal Story

In one stadium, one day, this one district had over five high school graduations with gowns, parents, balloons left in the parking lot, security checks, Covid masks, massless people, tears, prayers, music, commencement speeches, and recognition: this was a graduating year unlike no other. These kids have lived a wonky high school experience.

And I came as a guest. 

Kathy Silver of the Harding Presidents asked, "Would you be able to come? Navontae wants you there. I'll bring you a ticket." So, on Tuesday afternoon I drove to West Haven, the two of us hiked and talked, and I got my ticket. 

For over a decade I did Brown School graduations (which were unlike anything anyone's ever experienced), and currently participate in commencements at Fairfield University. Being on stage or in robes is sort of the pomp and circumstance of it all. But yesterday I came in alone. I was blow away.

Why? 

Navontae. 

There he is in lime green, smiling, on the first day of CWP summer's Project Citizen. He entered, always keeping his arm around others, smiling, and being exactly who he was always meant to be.

After his infamous freshman year at Harding, Silver called me and asked if I could get this crew of kids from Harding into CWP's summer programs. I found the funding, got the buses, and they arrived. Actually, they changed the lives of many that summer. Navontae, especially. Project Citizen. A program to politically write, debate, and make a difference - two weeks of super-diversity where young adult literature is featured and student voices are celebrated. Long story short, on day 2, Navontae got off the bus and asked me, "Yo. Can we go help xxx?" He was another kid on the program. I didn't know what was going on (didn't want to know), but saw Navontae's concern. And, not checking my own boundaries, I did what I felt was right. I took him to where he wanted to go. He was inside for a while, but returned with the other kid, and it was quiet the entire way back to campus. When we reentered the building Navontae reported, "I'm going to leave the two of you alone to talk...I'm going back to the others," 

Navontae was looking out for his friend, and knew I would do the same. An emotional conversation was had, but then two girls from North Dakota, Lakota Nation, also on scholarship, wanted to join us. They hugged this young man and cried, too. The next two weeks they bonded. Stories understand stories, and this one is not mine to tell. As is the National Writing Project tradition, we just provide the path for them to being scribing their way forward. 

That summer, Navontae's leadership blossomed. I didn't know the trouble he had in school before I met him, or what his academics were like. I just saw his soul. And I promised to do whatever I could to help him achieve what he desired. Time went on. He returned to CWP. He became a leader at Saugatuck StoryFest. He hosted Nic Stone once on ZOOM and once in person at his school. He sang with the incredible music educator Sheena Graham (LOVE HER), and began sharing his poetry at assemblies. I've even used his work during professional development with faculties across the state. 

Silver. 

The pond Goddess where koi come to have souls nurtured. The Yellow to my Stripe. Silver sends this kid my way. Phew. And, well, Silver...he's like us. He's always looking out for the next kid who can 'use a feather or two' (to reference Jason Reynold's graduation speech at Lesley University).

I pulled out my cell phone as I sat, and then opened the program. Sure enough, Navontae was the emcee of ceremonies. He was superb. No wonder he wanted me there. Then, I looked through the awards and see he's received many, including an English Award. An English Award! Finally, see he is singing with two young women as part of the performance. They nailed it. 

It was seeing his name...his successes...his achievements...and his leadership that brought tears to my eyes.

One kid. One recommendation. A crew of many in the summer: Shaun, Dave, Kim (and Nic's books, and Jason's books, and Lamar's books, and Kwame's books, and Rose's books) and Wola! This kid crosses the stage.

Now, I wasn't able to find him at the end (nor give him the gift I had for him), but I started to think of all the millions and millions of stories that must run through the minds of teachers, administrators, friends, family, and guests as they attend such a ceremony. There are so many journeys and trails to such a moment and the reality is that not all make it to that point...the United States continues to have a high drop out rate.

Ah, but Navontae made it...he spread his wings and showed everyone exactly who he is. Pride seems to be an understatement. And now I hope he'll join the rest of us out here looking for the next kid worth mentoring...we can never have enough mentors for youth. 

That's the village it takes. Ubuntu.

Congratulations Class of 2021 (and the people like Sheena Graham, Dane Brown, and Kathy Silver who invested so much into them). 

Phew. This is what it's all about. Them.