Ode to the Class of 1999

Class of '99'�look how far we've come.
We're staring at our futures and the excitement of being free.
Four years ago, this seemed almost impossible.
Four years ago, this very moment seemed an eternity away.
The walls of Eisenhower closed around us,
And our only thoughts were of
Staying awake long enough to take notes
In classes like Honors English and Physical Science.
Weekends were for studying and writing book reports,
But soon we discovered weekends could also hold endless fun.
We chanted Go Cadets! at the games on Friday nights,
And afterward, whether we won or lost,
We would dance the night away with the friends
We'd made that first year and who would last for all times.
We quickly rose above the immature children we used to be,
And we learned to see the world as one endless opportunity
To be whatever we wanted and knew we could be.
It took a little wishing, it took a lot of hope,
But now here we stand, shrouded in gowns of red and blue,
Surrounded by the friends who held our hands through the bad times
And made the good times even better
By making us laugh so hard we peed our pants,
Surrounded by the family who gave us the courage
To make it through another year and saying
We'd thank them in June 1999 when we finally crossed that stage.
(We thank you.)
Oh, look how far we've come�.
Our stomachs fill with butterflies, joyful tears fall from our eyes,
And smiles transform our faces as we realize,
There's nothing we can't do, we are the masters of our domains.
As they call our names, our hearts swell with pride,
And one by one, we joyously cross that blessed stage,
Grasping our freedom, our diplomas, as if they are precious gold.
All eyes are on us.  It's time to make them proud.
The last name is called, and we're gathered once again,
From the many, we form the one.
Mortarboards fly, shouts of absolution fill the air,
And we barely hear the words:
Class of '99', it is with immense pride and joy
That we finally pronounce you�
GRADUATED!!!

Michelle Elizabeth Bernard
�4-4-99

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