Do You Remember Your High School Graduation?
I remember it was at the Fort Wayne Coliseum. I think? I remember the green gown I wore. I remember that my Mom hosted a little party for me with family afterwards. But honestly, not much after that.
In my defense, it was 1981. 37 years ago …………………
I think all Baby Boomers should be cut some slack here. 🙂
Everywhere you go, this time of year, we’re reminded that there are graduations and graduation parties taking place. You can’t go into ANY store without seeing the cards, party supplies or gift card stands set up in the middle of the isles, making sure you have to do a Cha-Cha move to get around them without incident.
Most every year there is someone I know, someone’s child or grandchild who is graduating from college, high school, eighth grade, kindergarten and of course, the greatest in academic achievements ……. preschool!
One of my FB friends posted her senior picture alongside the most current picture of her in honor of “graduation season” and challenged others to post theirs as well.
I will, IF I can find my senior picture.
My “FB friend” graduated in 2011, with my daughter, so her pictures, side by side, didn’t look too different. But for us Baby Boomers, there’s a pretty good possibility that the discrepancy is vast.
Unrecognizable, possibly.
Hmmmm?
I had to wonder if I even had a copy of my senior picture.
Later that same day, my brother called and cited that he had just left Snider High School, in Fort Wayne, for the last time in 19 years. I sensed he was feeling a little overwhelmed with the bittersweetness of it all. Not to mention that he and my sister-in-law will soon be experiencing something that I have already befriended and embraced, although resistant in the beginning ………. Empty Nest Syndrome.
Where was that picture? I remember it well, but could I find it ?
The only copy of my senior picture I could find was my picture in the 1981 South Side Totem, volume 59.
When Poo got home I said to him, knowing full well I might be met with some resistance, “Do you have a copy of your senior picture?”
I also knew if he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, produce it I could stop by his Mom’s for a visit. 🙂
She loves to play “show and tell” and, pictures from days gone by is her favorite pastime. Usually she has great stories to go with them, many of them comical.
Although his Mom most likely has the original picture, Poo went to the basement and dragged out his yearbook.
Yep, this is it ……
I just recently found, and started following, the Facebook account for my high school. It’s a great way to keep up with the reunions, special announcements, school and sporting events, etc.
Last week I received a notification that a video was posted of this years Ivy Day Parade, a South Side School tradition held on the last day of school. Feeling quite nostalgic, I had to watch it. I had made that same walk of fame down Calhoun Street which was lined with friends, family and underclassmen watching.
I have tried to find out how long the parade has been going on but, I could only confirm that the custom dates back to at least the 70’s.
The school band leads the parade dressed in their green and white uniforms followed by the Fort Wayne Superintendent, Principal, and other staff members.
The the Ivy Day Queen with her court, dressed in formal prom-like attire, come next and then the graduating seniors, all donning their green cap and gown.
South Side High School was built in 1922 when the city was in need of more classroom space. The city had outgrown the only school, later known as Central High School.
When SSHS opened it was the largest one-story school building in the United States. It covered 3 acres and the normal capacity was 1500 students. It was also one of the first school buildings in the nation to use a series of ramps instead of stairs.
Originally, the school was cohabited by 800 high school students, along with 510 grade school students!
Finally, in 1925, Harrison Hill Elementary School was opened.
The original construction was added to in the 1930’s, the late 1950’s and again in the 1970’s to accommodate an increased school population and academic trends.
According to Wikipedia, the Fort Wayne Community Schools corporation is Indiana's largest school district. It operates 5 high schools, 10 middle schools, 1 intermediate school and over 30 elementary schools.
I never realized the absorbing history behind this stately building. Just look at the building, the pillars, the charming patina of the soaring lampposts and the gargantuan urns flanking the front steps.
It’s remarkably beautiful!
I can look back at my years at South Side High School and know that I was fortunate to walk the halls of such a magnetic structure.
Hail to the South Side Archers!
South Side High School Alma Mater:
Hail to thee, O South Side High School,
Faithful may we be;
Our beloved Alma Mater,
We sing our praises to thee.
May we always well remember
All thy gifts to us so free;
And pay homage to thy memory,
Hail, South Side High School, to thee.
“Instruction ends in the schoolroom, but education ends only with life.” – Frederick W. Robertson
xoxo, Katy
